Oregano

Light

  • Full Sun
    • 8+ hours of light

Hardiness

  • Zone 4 - 10

Water

  • Requires 1 inch or less of water per week. Allow soil to become completely dry between watering.

  • Water regularly the first week while roots establish, letting the soil dry between watering
  • Assure the soil is evenly watered
  • Oregano is moderately drought resistant and more prone to root rot
  • If placing mulch around oregano, avoid any near the stem as it will promote fungal infections

Container

  • Perfect for a garden or a 2+ gallon pot

Transplanting

  • Plant in May 30th - July 1st
  • Dig a hole 8 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Plant the seedling's root ball as close to the surface as possible and pack soil loosely around it with your hands.

Spacing

  • Between Plants: 10 - 15 inches
  • Between Rows: 18 - 24 inches

Size

  • Height: 1 - 2 feet
  • Width: 12 - 18 inches

Harvest time

  • 35 - 45 days

Soil

  • Lean, well-drained and dry soil composition:
    • ⅓ drainage and aeration material (perlite or vermiculite)
    • ⅓ loam (sand and silt. Small amount of clay)
    • ⅓ sand
  • Preferred pH: 6.0 - 8.0

Fertilizer

  • Fertilization is not necessary and excess nitrogen can affect the flavor

Use

  • Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cooking and accompanies tomato based recipes very well. In addition to enhancing sauces, stews, casseroles and pizza, it can also be used to season your favorite vegetable medley.

Friends

  • Plant next to asparagus, beans, bee balm, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, lavender, melons, peppers, rosemary, squash, tarragon, thyme, tomatoes and zucchini

Foes

  • DO NOT plant next to basil, chives, cilantro and mint

Tips

  • Oregano grows like a weed and with that does not require many nutrients to flourish. In fact, rich organic soils slow down growth and change the flavor.
  • Harvest when the plant is 6 inches or taller by cutting off twigs with the amount of leaves you need. This promotes new growth in the harvested areas and prevents the plant from flowering.
  • Since oregano grows so rapidly, pinch back new growth regularly when the plant is around 4 inches tall. Expect to pinch back weekly during the growing season’s peak to prevent flowering which changes the taste of the herb.
  • For drying, harvest in summer right before full maturity is reached for maximum flavor. Try any of these different methods to dry oregano:
    • Tie stems loosely together and hang upside down in a dry, airy location out of the sun.
    • Spread over a cheesecloth in a dry and shady location.
    • Bake in the oven at the lowest temperature (200 degrees F or less) for 2 - 3 hours.
    • Use a food dehydrator and follow the manufacturer's instructions.