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Planting and Growing Oregano: A Tasty Ground Cover!

Image Credit:
Pixabay
Botanical Name
Origanum
Grown as
Perennial
USDA Zones
4a
4b
5a
5b
6a
6b
7a
7b
8a
8b
9a
9b
Toxicity
Toxic to Dogs and Cats
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Water Needs
Low
Height
1–3 feet
Spread
1–3 feet
Soil pH
Neutral
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Pink
Purple
White
Special Features
Container-Friendly
Disease-Resistant
Erosion Control
Fragrant
Low Maintenance
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Attracts Pollinators
Deer-resistant
Rabbit-resistant
Resilience
Cold Hardy
Drought-Tolerant
Heat-Tolerant
Plant Type
Herbs
Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Oregano is a must-have culinary herb to grow in a garden or container—and it’s also an attractive ground cover. Discover more about oregano, from growing information to culinary tips.

This growing guide is about true oregano, called Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum). It’s a robust and flavorful herb with a peppery bite and a minty aroma. In Greek, the word oregano means “joy of the mountain.”

It’s a perennial woody herb that grows from 1 to 2 feet tall in an open, loose style that spreads to 18 inches wide (or more). It bears gray-green leaves and pretty white flowers, but, for the best-tasting leaves, do not let the herb flower.

Oregano also makes a good companion plant in the vegetable garden.

Planting

When to Plant Oregano

Plant any time in the spring after you’re well past the chance of frost. Some folks plant later in the season for assured warm weather. The soil should be around 70ºF.

For a head start, plant the seeds/cuttings 6 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost. (See local frost dates.)

Where to Plant Oregano

Oregano loves sun, so ensure that your placement has full sun for strong flavor. Offer partial shade if growing in hot climates.

How to Plant Oregano

  • Oregano can easily be started from seeds, though you can also use cuttings from an established plant.
  • Before planting, mix in several inches of organic matter, such as compost. If you’re growing in containers, use a quality potting mix.
  • Plant 8 to 10 inches apart. The plants will grow 1 to 2 feet tall and spread about 18 inches.

Growing

Watering

Oregano doesn’t need quite as much water as most herbs. 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 it until the water comes out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the container.

Pruning

Allow oregano plants to grow to about 4 inches tall 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.

Seasonal Care

At the end of the season, you can move pots indoors for the winter; cut dead stems in the spring before new growth. In warmer climates, protect plants with mulch.

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.

Harvesting

  • Harvest the leaves with sharp shears as you need them, once the plant is several inches tall. This will encourage new growth. Just don’t harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time.
  • The most flavor-filled leaves are found in midsummer, 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.

Pests and Problems

FAQs

Does oregano come back every year?

Yes! Oregano can be a perennial in USDA Zones 4 to 9, with some variation. That means it should return each year in many places as long as it’s planted in well-draining soil and survives the winter.

Can oregano be grown indoors?

Absolutely. Oregano grows well indoors in containers, provided it gets at least 5 to 6 hours of sunlight per day or supplemental grow lights.

What is the difference between oregano and marjoram?

Oregano has a stronger, peppery flavor, while marjoram is sweeter and more delicate. Both are related, but oregano is typically hardier and better suited for robust dishes like sauces and roasts.

Greek Oregano vs. Italian Oregano vs. Marjoram
HerbFlavor ProfileGrowth HabitBest Culinary UsesNotes
Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum)Robust, peppery, slightly bitterPerennial, 1–2 feet tall, spreadingPizza, tomato sauce, roasted vegetables, meat dishesKnown as “true oregano,” hardy and strong-flavored
Italian Oregano (hybrid of oregano + marjoram)Balanced, less sharp than Greek oreganoPerennial, compact growthPasta sauces, marinades, saladsPopular in Italian-American cooking
Marjoram (Origanum majorana)Sweet, mild, floralTender perennial, prefers warmer climatesSoups, salad dressings, egg dishesOften confused with oregano but gentler in flavor

How do you harvest oregano for the best flavor?

Harvest oregano leaves just before the plant flowers. For the most intense flavor, snip stems in the morning after the dew has dried.

Can you dry oregano at home?

Yes! Bundle stems together and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place. Once leaves are crisp, remove them and store them in an airtight container.

Types

  • Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) for cooking
  • Common oregano for decoration (its white-lavender flowers look pretty in the garden and are also used in wreaths)

Wit and Wisdom

  • Oregano tea relaxes nerves and settles an upset stomach.
  • Fresh oregano is a great antibacterial agent and loaded with antioxidants as well as an excellent source of fiber, vitamin K, iron, vitamin E, and calcium. It was once used in many old-fashioned herbal remedies.
  • Oregano plants are said to symbolize “substance.” Find out more about plant meanings here.

Herbs

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

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Comments

<span>Paul</span> Mon, 11/06/2017 - 20:51
There are many different types or oregano. Many plants listed as Italian oregano in the nursery or garden store are actually marjoram. The only way to tell, that I know of, is to taste it. Oregano is spicy and numbs the tongue. Marjoram is not as strong of a flavor, but it is similar. If you really want to know that you have a specific strain of oregano, then order it from a specialty nursery that specializes in herbs.
<span>Kdd</span> Mon, 01/18/2016 - 17:35
I cut my oregano before a blizzard and dried it out. Most of the dried leaves are now black instead of green. Does the black color mean they are moldy and unfit for consumption? Or are they okay to store and eat?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 01/22/2016 - 11:43

If your plant were moldy, it's more likely to have white or grey spots. Are they really black or brown or dark green? Without seeing them, it's difficult to be certain, but they are probably dry.

Fit for consumption? This is also difficult to say at a distance, but here's a thought: It is advised to cut green stems in fall and hang them to dry in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. When the leaves become dry, it is advised to remove them from the stems and store them in containers. Does this sound like your treatment? your leaves?

You might crush a few, and smell them. Assuming they were not damp, display no mold, and crush (not mash as rotted or damp leaves might), they are probably fine.

 <span>Kimj</span> Mon, 11/09/2015 - 16:36
Is it ok to dry oregano before the winter, after the plant had flowered already? I missed the harvest time and want to still have oregano for the winter. Will it just be less flavorful?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 11/10/2015 - 11:39

Leaves on oregano can be used at any stage of growth. In fact, cutting back blooms will stimulate growth.

 <span>Dcw</span> Thu, 11/05/2015 - 23:51
My little guy grew a plant from seed for me in the spring. Stuck it in a nice sunny window until the hot weather hit and then put it outside - great! Once the weather started turning, I brought it inside and put it in the same sunny window - it's fall sunshine, but it's the best one in the house. Now the little guy is turning brown and shrivelling up - help? My son is heartbroken.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 11/10/2015 - 11:21

Is this plant oregano (and therefore a perennial)? Was the plant transplanted directly into the ground during summer, or kept in a pot? The plant could be under stress for various reasons--could be transplant shock, from potting up from the outdoors and moving to an indoor location. If so, the plant might recover after a while. Also, some plants go dormant in winter, although gardeners usually can get oregano to produce throughout the colder months on a windowsill. Check for insects that may have come in on your plant, and monitor for disease. If you think the plant is not getting enough light, add grow lights (available from garden centers). Make sure you are not watering too much (allow soil to dry a bit between waterings), and that the pot has good drainage. Also check if it is too close to the glass or in a cold draft. Hope this helps!

 <span>Bob Soskis</span> Wed, 09/02/2015 - 16:38
When I harvest my oregano is it oK to include the small flowers?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 09/03/2015 - 11:10

You should harvest only the leaves. If you are harvesting the entire plant, let the flowers set your schedule: Harvest just before the buds open. (If you happen to miss that this year, no worries.)

 

 <span>David Edward Stevens</span> Thu, 08/06/2015 - 05:25
I have just received a Greek oregano plant in the post from a Lincolnshire company. It is about 9 inches tall and I want to put it in a container on my patio. Can I leave it out over winter or will I need to bring it into my cold greenhouse?