How to Grow Oregano in Your Home Herb Garden

There are many different kinds of oregano. The three most common varieties of oregano are:

1. 1. Mediterranean oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum): Also known as Greek oregano, common oregano, and wild marjoram, this type of oregano is the most common form of the herb. It has a mild taste and pungent aroma.
2. 2. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens): This flavorful variety of oregano is popular in Mexican cooking thanks to its strong peppery notes that pair well with chiles.
3. 3. Italian oregano (Origanum x majoricum): A cross between oregano and marjoram, this hybrid herb has a sweeter flavor that’s ideal for seasoning pasta and pizza sauces.

To grow oregano from seed, sow oregano seeds in early spring before the last frost. Combine potting soil with organic matter such as compost, and use it to fill a seed starting tray. Scatter oregano seeds on top of the soil and mist then with water, then cover the tray with a clear plastic lid. Do not cover the seeds with soil, since they need light to germinate. Oregano seeds should germinate within about a week. Thin the seedlings when they are six inches tall, and plant them outdoors in full sun when the soil temperature is about 70°F, spacing plants at least eight inches apart.

Oregano is a fairly low-maintenance plant, but it still benefits from some care.

1. 1. Watering: Water oregano about once a week, being careful not to overwater. Once established, oregano is a drought-tolerant plant.
2. 2. Pests and diseases: Oregano is vulnerable to aphids, spider mites, and root rot. Remove pests by hand or using horticultural soap, and make sure oregano has plenty of soil drainage to prevent root rot.
3. 3. Companion planting: Grow oregano a companion plant for brassicas like broccoli and cabbage, since it repels cabbage moths.
4. 4. Budding: In summer, oregano produces pink-purple or white flowers. To maximize flavor in the leaves during this time, pinch off flower buds before they bloom.
5. 5. Overwintering: To overwinter outdoor oregano plants, cover them with a layer of mulch. Alternatively, grow your oregano in containers that you can move inside during winter.

It's important to regularly harvest from established oregano plants to encourage new growth. Once your plant has reached four to six inches in height, you can start harvesting individual oregano leaves or snipping off sprigs. Do not harvest more than one-third of the plant.

If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh oregano, consider air-drying leftover oregano sprigs or drying leaves in a low oven or dehydrator. Keep dried leaves in a jar in your spice cupboard, and use them to season Greek and Italian dishes.

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