Oregano
Origanum vulgare
Oregano is a drought-tolerant Mediterranean perennial with spreading stems and aromatic leaves. Lean soil and restrained watering in the 15–25 mm weekly low-need range often produce stronger flavor than rich, wet beds that push soft foliage. Hardy plants accept outdoor timing one to three weeks after the last spring frost.
Plant family Lamiaceae · Also called wild marjoram
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Start in warm soil with sharp drainage.
Sow about 0.3 cm deep indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost, or plant outdoors one to three weeks after frost. Germination takes 7–14 days when seed is used.
Hardy once established. Cuttings or transplants skip slow seed establishment in many herb gardens.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Use this range as a planning baseline and adjust for local conditions.
Give spreading stems dry air.
Space 20–30 cm apart with rows about 45 cm. Spreading habit covers ground between stones or along dry edges.
Containers need 20 cm depth and about 5 litres with sharp drainage. Low water need suits porous mixes.
Core measurements
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Crop-level planning range.
Allow for the mature form of the selected variety.
Install support early when it is required or useful.
Water sparingly once established.
Six hours of direct sun is the minimum. Full sun and warmth align with warm-season classification.
Low water at 15–25 mm weekly with pH 6.0–8.0. The key tip warns excess fertilizer can reduce leaf flavor.
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ direct-sun hours/day)
Soil pH
A suitable acidity range for general growth.
Weekly water
Low water need.
Allow the upper soil layer to dry slightly between deep waterings; avoid constantly wet soil.
Flavor peaks before heavy flowering.
Expect 80–90 days from sowing for usable leaf volume. Perennial plants improve with age if trimmed after flowering.
Harvest basis is sowing when started from seed. Drying stems upside down preserves oil-rich leaves.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Read with the full crop profile.
Use well-drained soil and avoid excess fertilizer, which can reduce leaf flavor.
Oregano growing questions
Does oregano need rich fertilizer?
The key tip says avoid excess fertilizer, which can reduce flavor.
What water need class is oregano?
Low, with 15–25 mm weekly and soil allowed to dry slightly between waterings.
What pH range is unusually high for oregano?
Up to 8.0 is listed, higher than many vegetables.
Is oregano frost hardy?
Hardy classification applies to established plants.
Profile values are crop-level planning ranges compiled from sources S4,S5. Local climate and variety can change actual results.
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