Oregano is a plant which belongs to the Origanum genus. The origin of this plant's scientific name epithet (vulgare) means 'common'.
Beware of common oregano, which can become a weed, and lacks the spicy flavor of the greek cultivar which is preferred for cooking. If you wish to grow a culinary variety, it is best to control the plain species, which may cross with it.
If in the proper climate, this plant can easily take over an entire garden.
As Oregano is a low maintanence plant, it is great for beginner gardeners and those that like gardens that don't need much overseeing.
This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Oregano have been kindly provided by our members.
How to grow Oregano
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Full Sun
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Partial Sun
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Medium
Prefers well drained soil. If you have a heavy soil, mix in a good amount of sand to ensure proper drainage.
Oregano likes a position of full sun / partial sun and remember to water moderately. As a rough idea of the types of climates Oregano does best in, check to see if your local area is within USDA Hardiness Zones 4 and 10. Ensure your soil is sandy, clay or loamy and has a ph of between 6.0 and 8.0 as Oregano is a weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil loving plant. Keep in mind when planting that Oregano is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures.Growing Oregano from seed
If sowing directly, sow when soil temperatures are around 10°C. If sowing outdoors when temperatures are below 10°C, cover in a cold frame or with some sort of protection.
Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 11.7 inches (30.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.12 inches (0.32 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 7°C / 45°F to ensure good germination.By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Oregano about 56 days before your last frost date .
Transplanting Oregano
Harvesting Oregano
The common species is edible but has poor flavor. It is a more aggressive spreader that the culinary varieties and sometimes cross with or overtakes them.
Seed Saving Oregano
Self-seeds profusely if left to flower and go to seed. Collect seeds when the flower head is completely dried out on the plant. Store seeds in a cool, dry environment.
Companion plants for Oregano
These plants have been known to grow well alongside Oregano so consider planting:
Repellent plants for Oregano
These plants will not grow well with Oregano so avoid planting these within close proximity:
Common Oregano problems
These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Oregano plants:
Oregano Etymology
Greek origin. Possibly from “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (brightness).
Other names for Oregano
Common oregano, Wild Marjoram
Misspellings: Majoram, Oregonium
Latest Oregano Reviews
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13 Feb 2012
cuylarmntherbs's oregano was
Reviewed day 613
dries wonderfully ….grows amazingly well in dappled light
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10 Dec 2011
Morrigan's Oregano was
Reviewed day 589
Dormant for the Winter.
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18 May 2011
jenniferworthen's Oregano was
Reviewed day 429
A great perennial herb that has survived two Texas winters (which I know doesn’t count for much), is delicious in cooking, and has gorgeous purple flowers. Has woody stems and grows like a bush.
Oregano care instructions
How long does Oregano take to grow?
When should I plant Oregano?
Our when to plant Oregano estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!
Footnotes
Popular varieties of Oregano
- Hot and Spicy
- Mediterranean
- Golden
- Variegated
- Compactum
- Italian oregano
- Aureum
- Creeping
- Country Cream
- Mexican
View the complete variety list for Oregano »
Oregano Forums
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