Oregano is one of the best beginner herbs to grow from seeds. If you want fresh or dried oregano this article is for you. This cold-hardy, cultivar is a perennial herb that can quickly be added to many dishes. Oregano got its start in the Mediterranean region, is part of the mint family. Oregano was used by the Greeks as a antiseptic, and used to alleviate toothaches. It can trace its roots bat to as early as 3000 BCE. If you’re looking for a low maintenance herb to level up your garden or cooking skills this versatile and hearty plant is for your.
Plant and go
Botanical Name: Origanum Vulgare
| Depth: 1/4" | Spacing: 8-12" | Row: 18-24" | Temp: 60-80F |
| Germ: 8-14 days | Sun: Full/ 6-8 hrs | pH: 6.5-7.0 | Harvest: 80-90 days |
| Soil: well drained | Container: 8x12" | Fertilizer: 10-10-10 | Water: 1-2" per wk |
| Fert Freq: 4-6 wks |
Companion plant: Pumpkin
Details
Sow seeds indoors in spring after the last frost, 6-10 weeks or so. Or direct sow anytime daytime temperatures reach 70F. Don’t rush to get these seeds started outdoors they are very sensitive to cold and frost, some folks wait until later in the warmer season to direct sow. Sow ¼ inch deep in bunches of 2-3 seeds. Spacing goal is 8-12 inches and rows of 18-24 inches. Seedlings should be ready for transplant at 4-5 weeks old. Depending on variety germination can take 8-14 days. Oregano like temperature between 60-80F with full sun for 6-8 hours. 
Thin seedlings when they reach 6 inches tall to 8-12 inches by cutting at the stem at the top of the soil. Watering depends on if you’re growing in containers or garden, water new plants regularly for the first summer until established, about 1 inch per week. In containers the soil may dry out faster so water more often, make sure to have plenty of drainage. Oregano is moderately drought tolerant, and overwatering can cause root rot. If you fertilizer use a 10-10-10 formulae. But Oregano doesn’t usually need fertilizer and can thrive in poor soil, large amounts of nutrients can change the flavor of the herb. Oregano does well in part to full sun and prefers full sun and heat, flavor intensifies based on sun and nutrients it receives. Once established water as needed and wait to harvest.
Thin seedlings when they reach 6 inches tall to 8-12 inches by cutting at the stem at the top of the soil. Watering depends on if you’re growing in containers or garden, water new plants regularly for the first summer until established, about 1 inch per week. In containers the soil may dry out faster so water more often, make sure to have plenty of drainage. Oregano is moderately drought tolerant, and overwatering can cause root rot. If you fertilizer use a 10-10-10 formulae. But Oregano doesn’t usually need fertilizer and can thrive in poor soil, large amounts of nutrients can change the flavor of the herb. Oregano does well in part to full sun and prefers full sun and heat, flavor intensifies based on sun and nutrients it receives. Once established water as needed and wait to harvest.Harvest
The best time to harvest is spring and early summer, before blooms have formed. Oregon takes 2-3 weeks to grow back foliage. Only harvest as needed regularly. One the stems have reached 4-5 inches tall they are ready to harvest. To harvest pinch or snap off at the top of the plant a section about 2-3 inches long. If you need a whole section, use scissors and cut just above the growth node, this also encourages new growth.
Tips
Seedling cuttings can be grown in mason jars to increase yield.
Oregano seeds need sunlight to germinate, don’t put too much soil on top when sowing.
Fun fact
La Nicchia is considered the best oregano in the world by chefs the world over.
Conclusion
That’s it! Once your oregano plant is established it will keep coming back each year. This is a tough plant that is sensitive to fertilizer, heat, and watering, so much so the flavor changes based on how much of each you give it. So, give it a go and try to grow some Oregano of your own.