Oregano is a hardy, spreading perennial herb that is easy to grow and comes back every year. Greek oregano has the strongest flavor for cooking; common oregano is milder and often grown for its flowers, which bees love. Like thyme, it prefers sun, average soil and little water. This page covers how to start oregano, where to plant it, how to care for it and how to harvest it.
Oregano at a glance
| Type | Herb |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 12 in |
| Row spacing | 18 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | At surface |
| Days to maturity | 80–90 from seed |
| How to start | Buy plants, or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; barely cover seed |
| Water | 0.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant oregano
Set out young plants in spring around your last frost date. To grow from seed, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Oregano is perennial in about zones 4 or 5 to 9, depending on the type, and comes back each spring.
Find your last frost with the frost dates by ZIP code tool, and check your zone with the growing zone finder.
How to plant oregano
- Buy plants for flavor. Seed-grown oregano varies in flavor. For the best culinary oregano, buy Greek oregano plants you have tasted, or take cuttings from a good plant.
- Choose full sun. Sun gives the strongest flavor.
- Use well-drained soil. Average to poor, free-draining soil is ideal. Rich soil gives lush growth with less flavor.
- Sow on the surface. If starting from seed, press it onto moist mix without covering it; it needs light to germinate.
- Space for spread. Use the spacing in the table above. Oregano grows well in pots and at the front of beds.
Caring for oregano
Water regularly until plants are established, then only during dry spells, about half an inch a week. Let the soil dry between waterings. The overwatering checker helps if a plant looks unwell.
Oregano needs no fertilizer. Pinch stem tips in early summer to keep plants bushy. Cut back by about half after flowering, or in early spring, to encourage fresh growth. Every 3 to 4 years, when the center gets woody, dig up the clump in spring, divide it and replant the young outer pieces.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Cabbage-family crops, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Plants that need rich, constantly moist soil |
Oregano flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, and its scent is said to help deter cabbage butterflies and aphids. It makes a good low edging for vegetable beds. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Root rot | Plants wilt and yellow in wet soil | Too much water or poor drainage. Plant in free-draining soil and water only when dry. See the overwatering checker. |
| Bland flavor | Leaves have little taste | Common oregano, seed-grown plants, rich soil or shade. Grow Greek oregano in full sun and lean soil. |
| Woody center | Plant dies out in the middle | Normal with age. Divide the clump every 3 to 4 years. |
| Spider mites and aphids | Speckled leaves or clusters of small insects | Rinse with water. See the pest identifier. |
| Spreading | Plant creeps beyond its space | Cut back after flowering and divide clumps, or grow in a pot. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Start picking once plants are 4 to 6 inches tall. Cut stems just above a pair of leaves, which encourages bushier growth. Flavor is strongest just before the plant flowers, which is the best time for a large harvest for drying. Take no more than a third of the plant at once.
Oregano is one of the few herbs that tastes as good dried as fresh. Hang small bundles upside down in a warm, dry, airy place out of sun, then strip the leaves and store them in a jar. Fresh sprigs keep about a week in the fridge.
Plan your oregano
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant oregano plants?
Space oregano plants 12 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant oregano seeds?
Sow seeds on the surface. Oregano seed needs light to germinate, so press it onto the surface without covering it.
How long do oregano plants take to grow?
Most varieties are ready 80–90 days from seed. Check the seed packet, because early and late varieties differ.
How much water do oregano plants need?
About 0.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Let the soil dry between waterings once plants are established.
Does oregano come back every year?
Yes. Oregano is a hardy perennial in about zones 4 or 5 to 9 and regrows each spring.
Which oregano has the best flavor?
Greek oregano has the strongest flavor for cooking. Common oregano is milder and often grown for its flowers.