Oregano: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting

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Planting

Oregano loves the sun; ensure your placement has full, strong sun for strong flavor; some folks plant later in the season for assured warm weather.
However, for a head start, plant the seeds/cuttings 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost.
Oregano can easily be started from seeds, though you can also use cuttings from an established plant.
Plant the seeds/cuttings in well-drained soil anytime after the last spring frost. The soil should be around 70ºF.
For thin plants, plant 8 to 10 inches apart. The plants will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and spread about 18 inches.
Oregano makes a good companion for any vegetable in the garden.

Care

Allow oregano to grow to about 4 inches and then pinch or trim lightly to encourage a denser and bushier plant.
Regular trimming will not only cause the plant to branch again, but also avoid legginess.
Oregano doesn't need quite as much water as most herbs. As the amount of watering depends on many variables, just water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Remember that it's better to water thoroughly and less often.
If you have a container, water until the water comes out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container.
To ensure the best-quality plants, thin out plants that are 3 or 4 years old in the early spring. Oregano is self-seeding, so the plants will easily grow back.
You can divide the plants in late spring if you want to put one indoors.

Pests

Root and stem rots
Aphids
Spider mites

Harvest/Storage

Harvest the leaves as you need them. The most flavor-filled leaves are found right before the flowers bloom.
You can freeze the leaves to use during the winter. Oregano leaves store well and are easily dried. Keep them in an airtight container once dried.

Recommended Varieties

Greek oregano for cooking
Common oregano for decoration (its lavender flowers look pretty in the garden and are also used in wreaths)

Recipes

Wit & Wisdom

Oregano tea relaxes nerves and settles an upset stomach.

Comments

Not Much Flavor!

reply

By Anonymous

When buying Oregano plants, we always pick ones with strong aroma. After planting, the plants become very mild - not what I want. Could it be our soil?

The leaves have the most

reply

The leaves have the most intense flavor right before it blooms. We would suggest that you keep it well trimmed so it doesn't start to put the energy into creating new buds or begin to bloom. Also, be sure you have the right variety. Greek oregano is the common "strong aroma" type.