Grow Guide to Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Plant Description

Oregano is a hardy perennial herb with petite, fuzzy, oval-shaped leaves that release a pungent, spicy aroma when touched. It forms a low-growing, spreading clump that produces tiny pink or purple flowers if left to bloom.

With its strong, savory flavor and scent, oregano is a staple in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. The leaves are used both fresh and dried in sauces, marinades, and meat dishes, while the plant also holds antibacterial and antifungal properties in traditional herbal medicine.

Quick Facts

  • Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily); more sun yields stronger flavor.
  • Days to Sprout: 7–14 days.
  • Days to Harvest: 60–90 days after sowing.
  • Plant Spacing: 8–12 inches apart.
  • Seeds per Hole: 2–3 seeds per hole, thinning to the strongest plant.
  • Plant Type: Perennial (Zones 5–10); grown as an annual in colder climates.
  • Planting Depth: ¼ inch deep (lightly cover with soil).

Best Planting Locations

  • Containers: Ideal for windowsills or balconies. Ensure the pot drains well and allow soil to dry between waterings.
  • Raised Beds: Well-suited for raised herb beds with full sun exposure and minimal competition from aggressive growers.
  • Rock Gardens: Thrives in poor, well-draining soils and dry conditions, making it perfect for Mediterranean or xeriscape-style gardens.
  • Garden Borders: Acts as a fragrant ground cover and pollinator-attracting edge plant.

Getting Started

  1. Start Indoors: Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow outdoors after frost danger passes.
  2. Soil Needs: Light, sandy soil with excellent drainage. Avoid rich, overly moist soil which reduces flavor and causes root rot.
  3. Sunlight: Choose the sunniest spot available—this boosts oil content and intensifies flavor.

Companion / Enemy Plants

Good Companions: Basil, tomatoes, peppers, beans.

Avoid Planting Near: Mint (competes aggressively for space and moisture).

Attractants / Repellents

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, beneficial predatory insects.

Repels: Aphids and spider mites due to its strong essential oils.

When to Plant

  • Cool Climates: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost and transplant after frost danger has passed.
  • Warm Climates: Direct sow in early spring or fall. Oregano will remain evergreen in frost-free areas.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Let soil dry out between watering. Once established, oregano is drought-tolerant.
  • Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing; rich soil diminishes flavor. A light compost top-dress in spring is sufficient.
  • Pruning: Pinch back new growth regularly to encourage bushiness. Trim flower buds unless harvesting for pollinators or seed.

Harvest

  • Begin harvesting leaves once the plant reaches 4–6 inches tall. For optimal flavor, pick just before flowering.
  • Use scissors or pinch stems to encourage branching. Frequent harvests promote new growth.

Uses

  • Culinary: Used fresh or dried in tomato sauces, marinades, pizzas, soups, and meats. Oregano's bold, earthy notes complement garlic and olive oil perfectly.
  • Medicinal: Traditionally used for antimicrobial, antifungal, and digestive support applications.
  • Pollinator-Friendly: Flowering oregano supports bees and butterflies with abundant nectar.

How to Store

  • Fresh: Store sprigs in a jar with water or wrap in damp paper towels in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Drying: Bundle and hang upside down in a dark, well-ventilated place. Store dried leaves in an airtight container out of sunlight.
  • Freezing: Chop fresh oregano and freeze in olive oil or water using ice cube trays. Ideal for soups and sauces.