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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

<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 08/10/2015 - 16:42

If you're putting the oregano in a container, you can move the pot indoors in the winter. For plants in the ground, you need to protect them with lots of mulch and even a cold frame.

 <span>Bera</span> Thu, 07/09/2015 - 15:00
My oregano has been growing well, getting lots of sun, etc. but I was away for a while and didn't do any trimming. Now the stems are long and leggy with few leaves at the base. If I cut them back short, will they sprout new leaves?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 07/13/2015 - 09:13

Your oregano plant will benefit from an annual (or, depending on its growth habit) pruning. It should produce more leaves.

 <span>Jimmydarrell</span> Sun, 06/14/2015 - 22:24
RE: Oregano and Watering- I live in central California, where we're experiencing a severe drought, in its 4th year. I planted my oregano last spring, pretty much ignored it all winter and went out to look out it last week: Its huge! Tastes good too! DON'T WATER YOUR OREGANO, (OR ROSEMARY OR BASIL FOR THAT MATTER!)
<span>Christine Mccully</span> Wed, 09/02/2015 - 20:01
I live in south Florida and I bought my organic oregano as a plant. I have watered it and harvested much Oregano. Now it is looking very bare. It also shares a pot with mint. Should I stop watering it and put the mint in it's own pot? The mint is always trying to take over. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks, please reply!
<span>Elaine</span> Fri, 03/10/2017 - 13:25
give both plants their own pots. Mint requires more water than oregano does, oregano grows best on very little water, and both are spreading plants so they will be competing with each other for space.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Thu, 09/03/2015 - 11:02

It's probably wise to separate these herbs. Mint tends to take over; that's a sign that it's "happy" but in the pot or in the ground it will try to dominate its surroundings.

Pot the oregano in light- to medium-rich well drained soil. Good drainage is essential; don't let it stand in water. It loves heat and full sun, so you should have better luck.

 <span>Dv</span> Sun, 06/14/2015 - 12:43
How do you dry oregeno...or any herb?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 06/16/2015 - 16:51

Oregano is a tender-leaf herb. Try hanging a small bunch inside paper bags to dry. Punch holes in the sides of the bag. Close the top with a rubber band. Put in an area that has air circulation (and not above a stove). It generally takes approximately a week or so for herbs to dry completely.

 <span>Joan M Stevens</span> Sat, 05/23/2015 - 17:05
I just purchased two four inch Greek Oregano plants. I planted them in four inch wide pots. I did not add ground egg shells. They smell nicely and are about two inches tall. I do not care to use them as ground cover. I placed them each on the window sill What can I do to see to it that they remain well long term in pots in Illinois?