How to grow Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Prefers well drained soil. If you have a heavy soil, mix in a good amount of sand to ensure proper drainage.
Does better in part shade

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.
Do not cover the seed, just press lightly to make contact with the soil

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

Plant out when all danger of frost has past.
Sunny or part shade,
Well drained alkaline soil

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Oregano is a hardy plant.

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.

Seed viability is one year.

How long does Oregano take to grow?

These estimates for how long Oregano takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Oregano to germinate?
7 days

Average 7 days | Min 2 days | Max 16 days (149)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Oregano?
+ 22 days

Average 22 days | Min 7 days | Max 398 days (14)

Days to Maturity How long until Oregano is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 26 days

Average 26 days | Min 6 days | Max 666 days (21)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Oregano?
= 55 days

When should I plant Oregano?

Our when to plant Oregano estimates are relative to your last frost date.

When to sow The number of days to sow Oregano before or after your last frost date.
56 days before Last Frost Date

Oregano Etymology

Greek origin. Possibly from “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (brightness).

Other names for Oregano

Common oregano, Wild Marjoram

Misspellings: Majoram, Oregonium

Footnotes

1 Sophisticated Edge-Companion Planting with Oregano


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