How to Grow Oregano Herb Plants

About Growing Italian Oregano Plants in Your Herb Garden

We hope you’re growing oregano plants in your herb garden. There’s nothing better than fresh herbs. I’ll take ’em fresh any day, over the freeze-dried stuff you get in stores. Without a doubt, you will notice the difference, the first time you grow and use this Oregano fresh from your herb garden. Oregano plants are closely related to Marjoram. They are a member of the Mint family. This herb is native to Europe and Central Asia, thriving in dry, arid regions.

Oregano is a popular herb in Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Can you imagine a pizza or spaghetti sauce or pizza, without any Oregano in it!?!

Many herbs, including Oregano, can be grown as a houseplant, too. Place them in a sunny window, and watch ’em grow! After you have enjoyed them all winter, plant them outdoors after all danger of frost.

If you have limited space, try growing this herb in a container on your patio or deck.

May we suggest: Try Greek Oregano as an indoor houseplant, or for containers on your patio or deck. Greek Oregano is a variety that grows about 5 -6 inches shorter, making it perfect for indoors or on the deck.

Flowers Bloom: Summer

Flower Colors: Pink, purple, and white.

Plant height: 8 to 24 inches tall. And, some varieties grow up to four feet.

Hardiness Zones: 4 – 10.

Perennial, Origanum Vulgare

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Uses:

There are many medicinal uses, including:

Treats skin sores, aching muscles, and cramps.
Relieve inflammation
Regulates blood sugar
Relieves diarrhea and indigestion
Treats colds and cold symptoms
Fights bacteria

Culinary Uses:

Oregano is a “must have” for Italian and Continental cuisine. You just can’t have spaghetti sauce or pizza without this herb.

Also, it spices up many tomato recipes, meats, stews, bread, and stuffing.

Oregano Plant Propagation

Grow Oregano from seed. Get an early start on this popular herb, by starting it indoors as a houseplant. Or, directly sow the seeds into your garden in the spring.

Sow seeds early in the season and cover them lightly with soil.

Final Plant Spacing: Space seedlings or thin plants 8 – 10 inches apart, in rows 18 to 20 inches apart.

Days to Germination: 7 -14 days.

How to Grow Oregano Plants

Oregano plants are easy to grow. The plants grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. They will do well in average soils and tolerate dry soil conditions. Being native to arid regions, The plants withstand droughts very well. Water them during dry periods, once every week or two.

Tip: Do not add fertilizer to this plant, and it will produce a stronger flavor.

Pinch back the growing tips of the plant, to promote bushier growth.

Pick flower buds as soon as they appear. The leaves turn bitter after the flowers bloom.

Harvest leaves at any time after the plant has produced a few dozen leaves. Pick the young, tender herb leaves, as they are best for flavor. Harvest in the morning, when the oils are strongest. Spread leaves out to dry in a cool and ventilated area. Leaves can also be put in the freezer for later use.

Ideal pH: 6.5 – 7.0