Common Italian Oregano

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow seeds on the surface or barely covered in seed starting mix, as light aids germination. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Seedlings will emerge in 7 to 14 days.

Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date has passed and soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Space plants 18 inches apart in full sun.

Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date in spring, pressing them lightly into prepared soil. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination occurs.

Begin harvesting leaves once the plant has established itself, typically around 80 to 89 days after planting. Pinch off leaf clusters from the top of stems throughout the growing season for fresh use. For drying, harvest in the morning after dew has dried but before the sun becomes too intense, gathering stems just as flower buds begin to form. Cut stems back by one-third to one-half to encourage bushier regrowth. The flavor intensifies after drying, making this herb an excellent candidate for preserving.

Pinch back the growing tips regularly throughout the growing season to encourage bushier, fuller plants and prevent the herb from becoming too woody and sparse. As the plant matures, cut back stems by one-third to one-half in early spring to rejuvenate growth. Regular harvesting itself serves as a form of pruning and promotes continued vigor.