Oregano Growing Guide
Origanum vulgare
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Any average, well drained soil in an easily accessible site.
Position
Full sun to partial afternoon shade.
Frost tolerant
Hardy in cold climates provided plant is well-rooted and mulched. If desired, small plants can be potted up in autumn and grown through winter indoors.
Feeding
Not generally needed.
Spacing
Single Plants: 20cm (7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 15cm (5") with 25cm (9") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Start with a purchased plant, or start seeds indoors and set out at about the time of your last frost. Some strains are propagated only from cuttings. Authentic Greek oregano can be grown from seeds or plants.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Frequent pinching back helps to keep plants bushy and full, and it delays flowering. Some strains are grown for their pretty pink flowers. Oregano often spreads in hospitable spots. Moderately invasive.
Harvesting
Gather sprigs as needed in the kitchen. Gather stems for drying in early summer, just before the plants bloom.
Troubleshooting
Control oregano's spread by cutting back flowering stems when their colours fade.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Oregano