Oregano: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting the Zesty Mediterranean Herb

Oregano is a perennial with rose-purple/white flowers and thyme-like taste. Zesty, strong flavor; common in Italian dishes. Hardy; good groundcover.

Planting

• Loves sun; full strong sun for strong flavor; some plant later for assured warmth.
• Head start: seeds/cuttings 6–10 weeks before last spring frost.
• Easy from seeds or cuttings from established plant.
• Well-drained soil after last frost. Soil ~70°F.
• Thin plants: 8–10 inches apart. Grow 1–2 ft tall, spread ~18 inches.
• Good companion for any garden vegetable.

Care

• Grow to ~4 inches; pinch/trim lightly for denser, bushier plant.
• Regular trimming = branching + prevents legginess.
• Needs less water than most herbs. Water when soil feels dry; better to water thoroughly, less often.
• Containers: water until drainage holes flow.
• Best quality: thin 3–4 year plants in early spring. Self-seeding = easy regrowth.
• Divide late spring for indoor plant.

Pests and Diseases

• Root/stem rots
• Aphids
• Spider mites

Harvest and Storage

• Harvest leaves as needed. Most flavorful: right before flowers bloom.
• Freeze for winter use. Stores well dried; keep airtight once dried.

Recommended Varieties

• Greek oregano – for cooking
• Common oregano – decoration (lavender flowers pretty in garden/wreaths)

Wit & Wisdom

• Oregano tea relaxes nerves, settles upset stomach.
• Used in old-fashioned herbal remedies.
• Other culinary greens: see Leafy Greens: Health Benefits.
• Oregano means "substance." More plant meanings.

Recipes

• Tomato Herb Bread
• Zucchini Sausage Squares
• Slow-Cooker Tomato Sauce

Cooking Notes

Oregano: extremely useful herb in countless remedies. Great in kitchen, especially fresh from garden! More flavorful kitchen herbs.