Learning Download: How to Grow Oregano

Oregano has a very strong flavor, so only a little should be used at a time. Oregano is a member of the mint family and comes in many different varieties that have slightly different flavors. Like most herbs, oregano can be grown indoors or out in the garden. Oregano is a native to hot and dry regions, which makes the herb grow in places where drought is eminent.

Before Planting: Plant seeds indoor before the last frost date, as early as February. Similar to marjoram, oregano seeds are dust-like and fragile.

Planting: Do not bury them in soil but distribute them evenly across the top of the soil and mist with water. Cover the seed tray with a plastic dome and place in a sunny window. Once the dangers of frost have passed,
transplant seedlings to the garden. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart when they reach 6 inches in height. When transplanting, plant the seedlings in a sunny, well-drained area.

Watering: Only water oregano during long dry periods.

Fertilizer: Oregano is a very hardy plant that doesn’t require fertilization. If you choose to fertilize the plant, do so lightly as not to damage it. However, oregano can grow in poor, dry conditions and doesn’t need fertilizer to produce its flavorful leaves.

Days to Maturity: Once oregano reaches 4 to 6 inches tall, it is ready to harvest. (See each variety for days to harvest)

Harvesting: Harvest by pinching off individual leaves or clipping an entire branch. The leaves can be dried or frozen but store them away from direct light.

Tips: Once plants flower, cut them back to prevent them from growing leggy. After its growing season, cut oregano down to the ground and cover with mulch. If oregano is growing in a container, bring the container indoors to continue growth throughout the winter.