Greek Oregano Plant

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Greek Oregano, Oreganum hirtum, is a vigorously growing herb essential for adding the taste of the Mediterranean to your cooking. Not only is this plant tasty, but it is an excellent groundcover and attracts beneficial pollinators late in the summer when left to flower. The spicy, small leaves are harvestable throughout the spring and summer and even into the cold months in USDA growing zones 5-9.

Greek Oregano Care  

Oregano thrives in full sun and quick-draining soils. This Mediterranean perennial tolerates the winds and salt spray of coastal hillsides and grows in almost any soil texture except for heavy clay. Mulch plants with 2-3 inches of organic compost after planting. The compost fertilizes the soil as it breaks down over the growing season and keeps the root zone moist and cool. Cut back the stems regularly to provide herbs for cooking and keep Oregano from flowering. 

Growing Greek Oregano

Oregano is remarkably free of pests and diseases. Deer will not browse on the plants, and rabbits stay far away. Oregano can be grown indoors in a south-facing window that receives bright light all day. Greek Oregano makes for a very aromatic dried herb. Dehydrating Oregano stems in a warm oven or on an electric dehydrator until crispy and paper-like is the best way to preserve the flavor of this summery herb.

Plant oregano in containers with large drainage holes and use a potting mix that is free draining with perlite added. Start the plants in a small container at least 6 inches in diameter, moving up a size each time the plant is repotted. Keep the soil watered, never letting more than the top 1-2 inches of soil dry between waterings. Oregano makes a fragrant filler or thriller if left to flower in mixed container plantings for the deck or patio.

Watering Greek Oregano

Oregano is very drought tolerant and develops the spiciest flavor when not overwatered. Let the top 3-4 inches of soil dry between waterings for Oregano planted in the ground. Water it every 7-10 days with 1 inch of water. Overwatering will not only reduce the flavor of Oregano, but it could also cause root rot and the eventual death of the plant.

Feeding Greek Oregano

Greek Oregano does not require large amounts of fertilizers and is easily fed and mulched at the same time with organic compost. Spread 2-3 inches of compost over the root zone early in the spring for plants growing in the garden. Container-grown Oregano will benefit from application of a diluted liquid feed, such as fish emulsion or liquid kelp, once a month.

SKU:

1231001307-pc