Herb · Woody / Perennial Herb
Oregano
Origanum vulgare
A spreading, drought-tolerant Mediterranean perennial grown for its pungent leaves. Tolerates poor soil well and becomes more flavourful, not less, under a bit of stress.
At a glance
Water
Low
10–20 fl oz/wk
Light
Full sun
6–8 hrs/day
Space
Small
12 in
To maturity
70–90 days
Edible parts: Leaves
Family: Mint
Includes basil, rosemary, sage, and mint. Recognizable by square stems and fragrant, oil-rich leaves.
Harvest
Snip stems as needed once the plant is established, ideally just before it flowers when flavour is most concentrated.
Growing conditions
- Temperature
- 45–90 °F
- Soil pH
- 6–8
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, tolerant of sandy, clay, or coarse mixes
- Climate
- Cold-hardy Mediterranean perennial.
- Growing season
- Plant in spring after the last frost; spreads into a persistent patch over time.
- Nitrogen
- Low (≈10–25 ppm)
- Humidity
- Low (≈30–50 %)
- Planting unit
- Seedling
- Feeding schedule
- Thrives in poor soil with little feeding; too much nitrogen dilutes the essential oils that give oregano its flavour.
- Pest resistance
- High - largely trouble-free once established
- Pruning
- Cut back hard after flowering to keep growth compact and encourage fresh leaves.
Where it grows
- Container / PotIdeal— Thrives in a pot with lean soil and good drainage.
- In-Ground GardenIdeal— Perennial and spreads over time; can become a groundcover.
- Raised BedIdeal
- WindowsillPossible— Needs bright light; leggy growth indoors without enough sun.
- HydroponicNot recommended— Prefers lean, low-fertility conditions, the opposite of most hydroponic nutrient solutions.
- Vertical / TrellisNot recommended— Low, spreading habit rather than climbing.
Companions & antagonists
No known companion pairings yet.
Sources
- Spice Up Your Life: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Oregano — UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County
- Cultural Tips for Growing Oregano — UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM)