HerbsLamiaceae

Oregano.

Warm seasonDeer-resistantPollinator magnet
At a glance

The spec sheet.

Indoor start
Late winter
Direct sow / out
May
Germ
10–14 days
Days to harvest
Perennial once established
Spacing
12"
Depth
⅛"
Square-foot
4 per square
Qty target
2–3 plants for regular cooking.

Plant

Buy plants — Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) has the strongest flavor. Hardy in Zone 6b. Full sun, well-drained soil.

Care

Cut back hard after flowering. Divides easily every few years.

Harvest

Snip stems year-round. Best flavor just before flowering. The dried leaves have MORE flavor than fresh.

Preserve

Dried is the classic form for pizza and pasta. Store leaves whole and crumble as needed.

Companion planting

What oregano likes, and doesn’t.

Good neighbors

Avoid nearby

  • Nothing significant