The Spruce / Kara Riley
Oregano is aperennial herbthat returns year after year.
Research has shown its oils contain antioxidants that may have potential health benefits.
Oregano starts as a ground-hugging rosette of leaves, but it can easily grow to about 2 feet tall.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The plant can have a strong, sharp scent with notes of earth, hay, and mint.
Note that oregano is toxic to pets, so be mindful of where you plant it.
The outdoor soil temperature should ideally be around 70 degrees Fahrenheit for planting.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Rich soil can dilute the herb’s pungency.
So, oregano is a good choice for sunny garden areas with poor soil unsuitable for many other plants.
confirm it isn’t situated too close to taller plants that will leaf out and shade the oregano.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Space oregano plants around 8 to 10 inches apart.
Seeds should be slightly pressed into the soil, needing light to germinate.
Nursery plants should be planted at the same depth they were growing in their container.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
A support structure shouldn’t be necessary.
Soil
A sandy loam is ideal for growing oregano.
Also, a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
Closeup of thymeThe Spruce / Almar Creative
Water
Oregano only needs about an inch of water per week and tolerates moderate drought.
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot and other problems.
Temperature and Humidity
Depending on the variety, oregano can tolerate heat and even pretty cold temperatures.
Its ideal growing conditions are around 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
Oreganotypically doesn’t need fertilization, as it can thrive in poor soil.
However, large amounts of nutrients, such as nitrogen, can change the herb’s flavor.
Pollination
Oregano is a great herb that attracts beneficial pollinators to your garden.
Bees and other insects help to pollinate its tiny flowers.
Many types of oregano are often extracted into an essential oil.
They also look similar at first glance.
However, oregano leaves are broader and greener than thyme’s typically narrow, gray-green foliage.
Oregano also has a pungent, earthy aroma compared to thyme’s lighter, more floral scent.
Then, run your fingers down the stem to strip off the leaves.
The most flavorful oregano leaves occur right before the plant blooms in the summer.
So, if you plan to take sprigs for drying, that’s the best time.
Then, strip the leaves and store them in an airtight container.
Dried oregano has a more robust flavor than fresh leaves and should be viable for two to three years.
Ensure the container you select has adequate drainage holes.
Unglazed clay is ideal because it allows excess soil moisture to evaporate through its walls.
A container thats 10 to 14 inches across and 6 to 8 inches deep should suffice.
Pinching will promote a bushy growth habit and help to prevent leggy, straggly growth.
As the plant grows, this pinch-back ritual should be weekly.
Propagating Oregano
Oregano is best propagated from divisions or cuttings.
The best time to divide a plant is early spring or fall.
Consider blending it with extra sand, perlite, or vermiculite to improve drainage.
Leave a short umbrella of stems to protect the root ball.
Also, cover the soil with 3 to 4 inches of dry mulch for the winter.
Remove the mulch in the spring as soon as the snow melts.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Few pests and diseases bother oregano plants.
However, watch forspider mitesandaphidson the foliage.
Also, inspect the plant for signs ofroot rotand other fungal diseases that can arise in wet soils.
Correcting the oregano plant’s growing conditions can often help resolve minor pest and disease issues.
The strong fragrance can help deter certain pests, such as cucumber beetles, cabbage worms, and aphids.
Oregano is a hardy herb that doesn’t require much maintenance.
Too much watering or fertilizing can have detrimental effects on the plant.
It usually grows easily with ample sun, warmth, and well-draining soil.
It typically takes around 45 days from planting seeds for oregano to be at a harvestable height.
Oregano is a full-sun plant.
In a heat wave or scorching sun, ensure the soil is moist so the plant won’t wilt.
Yes, break off leaves or snip off an entire stem (above a leaf node).
Wash and use instantly.
Pruning encourages more growth and will not harm the plant.
However, never remove more than 1/3 of the plant unless you are preparing it for overwintering.
6, 2017, pp.
