Oregano is a much loved hardy perennial herb. It’s simple to grow indoors and would be a good plant for city-dwellers to start with. If you have a windowsill or patio with 6 hours of full sun, it takes well to pot culture. Oregano is well-known in Italian cuisine and adds a rich, robust spice to any food.
Days to Maturity: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 12”-15”
Growth Habit: Upright/spread
Soil Preference: Well-drained, somewhat sandy
Temp Preference: Warm
Light Preference: Full sun
Color: Dark yellow-green with light pink, purple or white flowers
Flavor: Bold pepper, slight mint
Sowing and Growing
Sow seeds in early April, ¼-inch deep. Germination takes about 2 weeks. Transplant in a full sun location giving the plant room to spread. Space out to ensure good air circulation in areas with high humidity. This herb is also easy to grow from cuttings. If you’re using a pot for its home, make sure it's at least 12 inches wide. Give consistent water for best growth and cut back after flowering for renewed growth and tidiness.
Harvesting
You can begin harvesting oregano when your plant is well established. Cut sprigs anytime for fresh use. For dried oregano with the best flavor, harvest when about half of the flowers are open. Gather in small bunches and hang to dry. Strip dried leaves and store in a cool, dark cupboard.
Days to Maturity: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Planting Depth: 1/4"
Plant Spacing: 12”-15”
Growth Habit: Upright/spread
Soil Preference: Well-drained, somewhat sandy
Temp Preference: Warm
Light Preference: Full sun
Color: Dark yellow-green with light pink, purple or white flowers
Flavor: Bold pepper, slight mint
Sowing and Growing
Sow seeds in early April, ¼-inch deep. Germination takes about 2 weeks. Transplant in a full sun location giving the plant room to spread. Space out to ensure good air circulation in areas with high humidity. This herb is also easy to grow from cuttings. If you’re using a pot for its home, make sure it's at least 12 inches wide. Give consistent water for best growth and cut back after flowering for renewed growth and tidiness.
Harvesting
You can begin harvesting oregano when your plant is well established. Cut sprigs anytime for fresh use. For dried oregano with the best flavor, harvest when about half of the flowers are open. Gather in small bunches and hang to dry. Strip dried leaves and store in a cool, dark cupboard.