Overview
What oregano needs, when to pick it, and whether it suits your garden.
Oregano is a sun-baked Mediterranean herb that asks for little once it settles, and its summer flowers hum with bees. It is one of the few herbs that is better dried than fresh, so a single summer cut can fill a jar for the kitchen.
Quick facts
- Botanical name
- Origanum vulgare
- Soil pH
- 6.8
- Feeding
- Light feeder
- Hardiness
- USDA zone 5a and warmer
- Height
- Up to 60 cm (24 in)
- Propagation
- Division, Cutting, Seed
Survives −28 °C
Growing details
- Germination
- 7 – 21 days
- Spacing
- 25 cm (10 in)
- Frost sensitivity
- Frost hardy
Growing calendar
- Start indoors: March, April
- Plant out: May, June
- Harvest: May, June, July, August, September, October
- Divide: March, April
In spring in a temperate climate, at about 20 °C (68 °F) (RHS). In a temperate climate, late spring, after the last frost (RHS). Sprigs spring to autumn; the main cut for drying just before flowering. Spring, when plants turn woody or crowded.
Is this plant right for you?
- Full sun
- Drought tolerant
- Good in pots
- Hardy perennial
- Loved by bees
- Low maintenance
- Toxic to pets
Toxic to pets
Toxic to dogs, cats and horses: mild vomiting and diarrhoea (ASPCA).
Before You Grow
Choose a culinary oregano, such as Greek, and a hot, sunny, free-draining spot.
Some oreganos are bred as ornamentals with little flavour. Choose plants by their aroma (RHS).
What you need
A young plant
Of a culinary variety you’ve tasted. See choose your oregano.
Full sun
A hot, sheltered spot. See where it grows best.
Grit
For heavy soil and pots. See soil.
A pot, optionally
At least 15 cm (6 in), terracotta is ideal. See containers.
Scissors or shears
For picking and cutting back. See cutting back.
Paper bags
For drying the harvest. See drying and storing.
Choose your oregano
Oregano and marjoram are both Origanum, and their names are often swapped. Oregano (O. vulgare, also called wild marjoram) has a more pungent, thyme-like flavour; sweet marjoram (O. majorana) is milder (RHS, UMD).
Greek oregano (O. vulgare subsp. hirtum) is the one Illinois calls true oregano: strong flavour, bright green leaves, white flowers, and good for drying (Gardeners’ World).
Named varieties include the RHS AGM ‘Hot and Spicy’ (grey-green leaves with heat), ‘Compactum’ (low, strongly aromatic) and golden ‘Gold Nugget’ (sweet). Golden and variegated forms, such as ‘Country Cream’, do better with some shade from midday sun (NC State).
Ornamentals. ‘Kent Beauty’ and ‘Rosenkuppel’ are grown for flowers, not the kitchen (Gardeners’ World).
Tender relatives. Turkestan and Mexican oregano, the latter a different plant, Lippia, may need bringing indoors for winter (Illinois).
Buy in person if you can: flavour varies, and some are bred for looks rather than taste (RHS).
Oreganos compared
-
Greek (subsp. hirtum)
- Flavour
- Strong, classic
- Leaves
- Bright green
- Best for
- Cooking and drying
-
Common (O. vulgare)
- Flavour
- Pungent, thyme-like
- Leaves
- Dark green
- Best for
- General use; pink flowers for bees
-
‘Hot and Spicy’
- Flavour
- Hot, robust
- Leaves
- Grey-green
- Best for
- Cooking
-
Golden (‘Gold Nugget’, ‘Aureum’)
- Flavour
- Sweet, milder
- Leaves
- Golden
- Best for
- Garnish; needs midday shade
-
Ornamental (‘Kent Beauty’)
- Flavour
- Little
- Leaves
- Grey-green
- Best for
- Flowers only
From the RHS, Gardeners’ World and Illinois. For the kitchen, Greek oregano.
Where oregano grows best
Oregano is a Mediterranean plant: it wants plenty of sun and good drainage (Gardeners’ World).
Sun. Full sun, in a sheltered spot, not smothered by vigorous neighbours (RHS). Golden and variegated forms like a little shade in the heat of the day (NC State).
Cold. A hardy perennial that dies back in winter and regrows in spring. It survives most UK winters in free-draining soil (RHS). Penn State gives USDA zones 5 to 8 and NC State 4 to 8, but Illinois finds true oregano only marginally hardy in zone 5, and many named types need winter protection. See winter care.
Heat and drought. It tolerates both once established (NC State).
Wet. It suffers in wet soil. See diseases.
- Sun
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5 to 8 (Penn State)
- Size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall and wide
Soil
Oregano grows well in poor, free-draining soil (UMD, RHS); rich soil isn’t needed.
Drainage. On heavy soil, add a handful of grit to the planting hole (Gardeners’ World), or grow it in a raised bed or pot.
pH. Around 6.8 (Penn State): average, neutral soil.
Planting
When to plant, raising oregano from seed, and planting it out.
Harden off seed-raised plants before they go outside (RHS).
When to plant oregano
Young plants are sold all year and can go in at almost any time, but settle quickest in late spring (RHS).
Seed is sown indoors in spring; plant the young plants out in late spring or early summer, after the last frost (RHS).
Plants or seed? Seed is cheaper for many plants, but flavour varies. See propagating.
- Late spring is best.
- Seedlings out after the last frost.
- Plants from cuttings for reliable flavour.
Growing oregano from seed
Tiny seed, sown on the surface in warmth.
-
Sow on the surface
Scatter seed thinly on moist peat-free seed compost and press it in; don’t cover it (RHS, Illinois).
-
Keep warm
Put the pot in a propagator or under a clear bag at about 20 °C (68 °F). Seedlings appear in one to three weeks (RHS); Penn State has seen about four days in warm soil.
-
Don’t overwater
Water regularly but lightly: seedlings are prone to damping off (RHS).
-
Pot on
When they have several leaves, move them into 7.5 cm (3 in) pots of soil-based compost.
-
Harden off
Over a week or two, stand them outside by day and bring them in at night, then plant out after the last frost (RHS).
How to plant oregano
Sun, drainage and space to spread.
-
Choose the spot
Full sun, out of the shade of vigorous neighbours (RHS).
-
Improve drainage
On heavy soil, mix grit into the planting hole.
-
Plant at the same depth
Set the plant as deep as it was in its pot, and water in.
-
Space them
20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) apart (Penn State, UMD); plants spread 25 to 50 cm (10 to 20 in).
-
Water until established
See watering.
Care
Watering, feeding, cutting back, pots, winter care and companions.
Replant or divide when plants turn woody, every three or four years (UMD).
Care through the year
Spring
Divide: old clumps
Cut woody stems back to the base; feed pots. See cutting back and feeding.
Early summer
Pots: water in dry spells
Pinch tips for bushier plants. See cutting back.
Just before flowering
Harvest: up to three-quarters
Cut the main harvest for drying. See harvesting.
After flowering
Deadhead: faded flowers
Cut back for fresh leaves. See cutting back.
Winter
Protect: from wet
Dies back; keep the roots from waterlogging. See winter care.
Watering oregano
Oregano is drought-tolerant once established: overwatering is a bigger risk than drought.
New plants. Water in dry spells until settled (RHS).
Established in the ground. It shouldn’t need watering (RHS). Penn State waters only once the soil dries out.
In pots. Compost dries fast in hot, sunny weather: water in dry spells once the top of the compost feels dry, but never let it become waterlogged (RHS).
Feeding oregano
Plants in the ground need no feeding: oregano grows well in fairly poor soil (RHS).
In pots, plants that have been in the same compost for over a year benefit from a sprinkling of general granular feed in spring (RHS), or repot into fresh compost with slow-release fertiliser (Gardeners’ World).
Picking and cutting back
Pinch and pick. Pinch back tips once plants have about 15 cm (6 in) of growth, and pick young sprigs regularly, to keep plants bushy (Penn State, RHS). Illinois leaves four to six pairs of leaves on each stem so side shoots grow.
Flowers. Flowering slows or stops leaf growth (Illinois), but the flowers feed bees and butterflies. Let some flower, or cut back before.
Cut back. Shear plants back in midsummer, or after flowering, for a flush of fresh leaves (Gardeners’ World, NC State). Cut faded flower stems (RHS).
Spring. Cut last year’s woody stems back to the base (Gardeners’ World).
Old plants. Oregano turns woody after three or four years: replant or divide (UMD).
Oregano in containers
Oregano grows well in pots, window boxes and containers with other sun-loving herbs.
Pot. At least 15 cm (6 in) wide and deep for one young plant, with drainage holes; porous terracotta suits it (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Compost. Peat-free soil-based compost with up to a quarter grit.
Care. See watering. Repot into fresh compost, a size larger as the plant grows, every couple of years (Gardeners’ World).
Winter care and growing indoors
Cold matters less than winter wet, which rots the roots (RHS).
In pots. Move them to a sheltered spot, such as a rain shadow by a wall (RHS).
In the ground. Where winters are cold and wet, cover plants with a well-ventilated cloche (RHS). Illinois mulches with straw or evergreen boughs once the ground has frozen.
Tender types. Many named oreganos, and Mexican and Turkestan oregano, may need to come indoors for winter (Illinois).
Indoors for picking. Moved inside in autumn with enough warmth and light, such as a sunny windowsill, common oregano can stay productive through winter (RHS).
Companion planting
Oregano’s flowers draw bees, butterflies, hoverflies and ladybirds (NC State, Penn State).
Tomatoes
Grow together · Agronomic reason
Penn State finds oregano’s flowers draw hoverflies and ladybirds that prey on tomato pests, and its scent may confuse aphids, whitefly and spider mites.
Thyme and sage
Grow together · Wants the same conditions
Other aromatic sun-lovers that want the same hot, dry, free-draining spot (RHS).
Tall, vigorous neighbours
Keep apart · Wants the same conditions
Don’t let taller, leafy plants smother it: oregano needs full sun (RHS).
Problems
Wet soil, weak flavour, old woody plants, and a few pests.
Common oregano problems
Oregano is trouble-free in the right conditions (Gardeners’ World). Match what you see to its likely cause.
Weak flavour
- Variety
- Flowering
An ornamental or seed-grown plant, or leaves picked after flowering (Illinois, NC State). Grow a Greek oregano and cut before it flowers.
Woody, sparse plant
- Age
Old plants turn woody. Cut back in spring and divide or replace every three or four years.
Leggy stems in spring
- Old wood
Old wood turns leggy by the end of winter: cut it out (Penn State).
More problems with oregano
Common pests
Aphids, spider mites and whitefly
Mainly on young seedlings; mature plants’ scent tends to repel them (Penn State).
Leaf miners, thrips and cutworms
Occasional pests of oregano (Penn State); insects may feed on the leaves, rarely seriously (RHS).
Common diseases
Root rot
In wet, poorly drained soil, and in pots left waterlogged over winter (NC State, RHS). Improve drainage with grit, or grow in a raised bed or pot.
Mint rust
A fungal disease that also attacks mint, with orange spots under the leaves (Penn State, RHS). Remove affected shoots promptly.
Harvest & Use
Pick sprigs any time; cut a big harvest just before flowering to dry.
Harvesting oregano
Sprigs. Pick young leaves from spring to autumn, as you need them (RHS).
The main harvest. Flavour peaks just before flowering, as the buds form (NC State, UF/IFAS). In summer or early autumn, before plants are in full flower, you can cut up to three-quarters of the season’s growth at once (Penn State).
How. Pinch with finger and thumb, or cut a good bunch with scissors. For drying, cut whole stems.
- Pick sprigs any time.
- The big cut just before flowering.
- Up to three-quarters at once.
Drying and storing oregano
Oregano is one of the herbs that is better dried: dried leaves have a stronger flavour than fresh (Gardeners’ World).
Drying. Tie small bundles and hang them upside down inside a ventilated paper bag, somewhere dark and airy (Gardeners’ World, Penn State). It takes one to a few weeks: the leaves are ready when they crumble between your fingers (RHS, Gardeners’ World).
Storing. In an airtight jar, where the flavour keeps for up to six months (Penn State).
Freezing. Freeze fresh leaves in ice cubes for soups and stews.
Using it. Pizza, tomato sauces, Greek salads, beans and grilled meat.
Propagation
Divide or take cuttings from a plant with the flavour you like.
Propagating oregano
Division and cuttings keep the flavour of a plant you like; seed may not, so Illinois suggests plants from cuttings of a good strain.
Division. In spring, lift an established clump and split it into rooted pieces with a spade or knife; replant the vigorous outer parts (UMD, Penn State).
Cuttings. In late spring, once the leaves are firm, taste a plant to check its flavour, then take 7.5 to 12.5 cm (3 to 5 in) softwood cuttings from new shoots. Remove the lower leaves, plant them in a sandy mix, and pot them on once well rooted (Penn State).
Seed. Cheap for many plants, but flavour varies. See growing from seed.
More to Explore
Short answers, related guides, and the sources behind this one.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between oregano and marjoram?
Both are Origanum. Oregano is more pungent and thyme-like; sweet marjoram is milder. See choose your oregano.
Does oregano come back every year?
Common oregano is a hardy perennial that dies back in winter and regrows in spring; some named and tender types need winter protection. See winter care.
Should I let oregano flower?
Flowering slows leaf growth but feeds bees. Harvest before, and let some flower.
How often should I water oregano?
Rarely once established in the ground; pots in dry spells. See watering.
Is dried oregano stronger than fresh?
Yes. Dry a big harvest cut just before flowering. See drying and storing.
Can oregano grow in pots?
Yes, in gritty compost, starting in a pot at least 15 cm (6 in) wide and deep. See containers.
Why does my oregano have no flavour?
It may be an ornamental or seed-grown plant, or picked after flowering. See common problems.
Is oregano safe for pets?
The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, causing mild stomach upset.
Related guides
Sources
- How to grow oregano (opens in a new tab) Royal Horticultural Society
- Oregano (opens in a new tab) ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Oregano (opens in a new tab) University of Illinois Extension
- Oregano (opens in a new tab) University of Maryland Extension
- Herb garden plants: oregano (opens in a new tab) Penn State Extension
- Origanum vulgare (opens in a new tab) NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Oregano (opens in a new tab) UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- How to grow oregano (opens in a new tab) BBC Gardeners’ World