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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> Wed, 05/27/2015 - 12:35

Hi, JoAn: We think you'll find that 4-inch pots are wayyyy too small for oregano to flourish, unless you really plan on almost constantly harvesting them, almost like a bonsai project. Let them grow in full sun for now and see what happens. If you find that their growth starts to stagnate (because they are rootbound, no doubt), then transplant them into pots at least 3 times bigger. Or, do that now and save them the stress later. Thanks for asking!

 <span>Jos</span> Sat, 04/25/2015 - 19:57
My Greek Oregano was sprayed with weed be gone and the leaves have drooped. Can my plant survive the spray or should I look for another plant? Thanks Josie
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 04/27/2015 - 11:26

It may be too soon to tell if the plant is gone. Look for signs of new growth or returning growth.

Of course, if this is a plant that you want to harvest to cooking and eating, its survival may be a moot point. Just to be on the safe side, it's probably wise to get another plant.

 

 <span>Cj Sain</span> Thu, 04/16/2015 - 18:13
I have been growing and harvesting Italian Oregano for more than 20 years. The flavor it adds to many of my favorite dishes can't be beat! I routinely divide my plants when the centers get hollowed out and have never had any problems with them at all. I have even successfully moved them from one location to another miles away without any problems. However, this year all of my plants are yellowing and beginning to look sickly. Could it be that after all of these years they have suddenly picked up some sort of bug/fungus/disease? I haven't seen any bugs and have this week begun adding a little bit of [non-nitrogen] plant food when I water them. What would they look like if they had gotten accidentally sprayed with some sort of weed killer? (not by me) I have search many websites for a possible solution but haven't found a thing. Any help will be greatly appreciated as I would hate to lose my long-time plant friends... CJ
<span>Rick J</span> Mon, 04/13/2015 - 00:26
I was wondering what loamy soil is.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 04/15/2015 - 10:37

Loamy soil means a nice rich mixture of sand, clay, and decaying organic material. Not too much clay, not too much sand. Just right! You can improve poor soil by amending it.

 <span>Mary Patterson</span> Thu, 04/09/2015 - 13:23
I have a potted Greek Oregano plant I keep on the porch. It gets rain when it rains here in north AL. Should I move it further back when it rains a lot? How do I trim? Thank you
<span>Marisa Cogliandro</span> Tue, 12/09/2014 - 19:28
Do all oregano plants flower. I have a plant in a half wine barrel, which l planted this time last year, it has grown into a massive plant, but flowers to date. Thanks
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Wed, 12/10/2014 - 15:09
Most oregano varieties bloom, some more than others. Try to give the plant as much sunlight as possible and it may reward you with blooms.
<span>Janekaren</span> Wed, 10/15/2014 - 17:46
I have dried the leaves of my oregano for use this winter. Is it possible to plane the dried seeds indoors on a Sunny bay window to grow a potted plant, or should I just wait until spring to plant outdoors?