Herb · Perennial herb
Oregano
Origanum vulgareA sun-loving Mediterranean herb that rewards neglect more than pampering, oregano gets pungent when grown lean and dry. It spreads gently by rhizome into a low, wiry mat. The one rule: skimp on water and fertilizer once established.
Sow depth
⅛ in
Spacing
12 in apart
Sun
Full sun
Germination
10–14 days
Time to harvest
80–90 days
Difficulty
Easy
When to sow oregano
- Sow from about 10 weeks before your last expected frost until about 2 weeks after your last expected frost.
Start in trays — surface-sow onto compost and keep warm to germinate.Press seed onto the surface rather than burying; light aids germination.Transplant out once seedlings carry several true leaves and are hardened off.
Let soil run dry — oregano’s flavor intensifies under mild drought stress.Cut back hard after flowering to keep growth compact and leafy.Avoid rich soil or heavy feeding; lush growth dilutes the essential oils.
Pick before flowering — leaves are most pungent just ahead of bud break.Snip whole sprigs rather than stripping individual leaves.Dry surplus stems in a warm, airy spot for a concentrated winter supply.
Companion plants
Its flowers draw pollinators and beneficial wasps that help set fruit on nearby peppers and tomatoes.
Watch out for
Root rot — Waterlogged, heavy soil kills oregano faster than drought ever will. Plant in free-draining ground or a gritty container mix.