Common oregano is a frost-hardy Mediterranean herb that thrives in zones 4 through 9, bringing reliable flavor and ornamental appeal to gardens across most of North America. This cultivar of Origanum vulgare grows to a modest 18 inches tall and spreads steadily when given full sun and well-draining soil. Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost, or direct sow once soil warms in late spring, and you'll have fresh leaves within weeks.
Full Sun
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4-9
18in H x ?in W
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High
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Common oregano is remarkably cold-hardy for an herb, surviving winters as far north as zone 4 and returning year after year once established. It germinates reliably at warm temperatures (70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit) and doesn't demand fussy care once planted in full sun with soil between pH 6.0 and 7.5. The plant's compact growth habit keeps it manageable in garden beds and containers alike, while its flavor deepens and concentrates as the season progresses.
Common oregano is harvested fresh throughout the growing season for use in Mediterranean cooking, from Italian pasta sauces to Greek salads and Spanish stews. The leaves dry exceptionally well, concentrating their flavor for long-term storage in your pantry. Both fresh and dried oregano pair beautifully with tomatoes, cheese, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats.
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Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Keep soil temperature at 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit for consistent germination. Sow seeds at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch, pressing them gently into the soil surface since they benefit from light exposure.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, or as early as soil can be worked. Space plants 24 inches apart in all directions to accommodate their mature spread.
Direct sow seeds outside 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, when soil temperatures are consistently warm and settled. You may also sow as late as 2 months before your first fall frost date for a late-season planting. Sow at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is established and actively growing. Pinch or cut stems just above a set of leaves to encourage branching. Harvest in the morning after dew dries but before the sun becomes intense, when the essential oils are most concentrated. For drying, cut full stems before the plant flowers, tie them in small bundles, and hang upside-down in a warm, airy location away from direct sunlight until completely dry.
Pinch back the growing tips regularly during the first few weeks to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Harvest leaves frequently by cutting stems back by one-third to one-half; this pruning actually promotes denser foliage and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
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