Growing Oregano

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What is Oregano?

Oregano is a woody, herbaceous plant in the mint family and probably one of the most widely used herbs in cuisines today. Its flavors are bold and earthy, ranging from sweet to bitter depending on the variety. Often confused with marjoram, oregano thrives in a range of climates. My favorite thing about this herb? It’s extremely hardy, making it almost impossible to kill. It also boasts a wide variety of health benefits dating back to ancient times.

If you’re a beginner gardener, oregano is the perfect place to start. Once established, it provides an abundance of flavorful leaves for years with minimal effort. All it needs is some sun, water, and a decent-sized pot!

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Where Did It Originate?

Oregano is believed to have originated in the high altitudes of the Mediterranean, earning the name “joy of the mountain” due to its ease of cultivation and robust flavor. In Greek mythology, the herb is linked to the goddess Aphrodite and was thought to combat sadness. Oregano made its way to the United States after WWII, brought back by soldiers who fell in love with its strong flavor. It has since become a staple in many cuisines and even grows wild in parts of the U.S.

Today, oregano is primarily used in cooking, but ongoing studies highlight its medicinal properties. It’s believed to have antibacterial qualities and potential benefits for depression, cancer, and arthritis. Oregano oil, a concentrated form, is commonly used for these health purposes.

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How to Grow Oregano

Oregano is low-maintenance and thrives in containers, especially in hot climates. As a drought-resistant herb, it’s perfect if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant. Here are the main ways to grow oregano:

• Cuttings: This is a simple and inexpensive method. Take a piece of an established plant or fresh oregano from the grocery store and place it in water or soil to develop roots. I have a whole blog post about this method here.
• Seeds: One of the most common and inexpensive ways to start plants, allowing you to grow more than a couple of plants with just a few bucks. It can take a long time for the seeds to germinate and they do require a lot more care on your end to keep them alive.
• Starters: Baby plants that can be bought at nurseries that have already germinated. If you are going this route, I suggest finding a local nursery that has good ORGANIC oregano that grows well in your growing zone. Big box stores don’t always have the best quality starter plants which is ESSENTIAL to having a healthy plant.

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Extra Care

Pests

Thanks to its strong aroma, oregano has few pest problems. This makes it a great companion plant for other plants that may struggle with certain pests, especially tomatoes. Aphids and spider mites may still attack your oregano but, you should be able to knock them off with a stream of water or a soapy insecticide..

Pruning/Harvesting

Guuurrlll please cut back your plant! Even if you are not using it, since this plant grows year round it can get a little crazy so make sure you are pruning! Count 3 nodes, a node is where a leaf comes out on each side of the main stem, and then cut right above that 3rd node. This will encourage the plant to grow new stakes with healthier fuller foliage. Pruning is SO important, mostly when growing in containers as it will keep your plants not only within a good size but also happy within its container.

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Hope you enjoy growing oregano as much as I do. As long as you provide it with enough sun and keep it a bit on the drier side you will have oregano for all your culinary uses.

Happy planting!