Oregano

Plant Overview

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is listed in the Lamiaceae family and categorized as a herb with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Easy.

Plant ID

PLT-0059

Family

Lamiaceae

Plant type

Herb

Life cycle

Perennial

Growth habit

Herbaceous culinary or aromatic plant

Mature height

Varies by species; commonly 1-3 ft

Mature spread

Varies by species; commonly 1-3 ft

Difficulty

Easy

Growing Conditions

Oregano is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as low to moderate; avoid prolonged waterlogging. The database soil reference is Well-drained soil with moderate fertility. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 4-9.

Hardiness zones

4-9

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Well-drained soil with moderate fertility

Soil pH

6.0-7.5

Water needs

Low to moderate; avoid prolonged waterlogging

Plant spacing

Commonly 8-24 in depending on mature size

Seed & Germination

For seed starting, the listed germination time is Typically 7-21 days from seed, though some herbs are commonly propagated vegetatively and the seed depth is Surface sow to about 1/4 inch depending on seed size. The listed time to maturity is Usually 60-120 days to substantial harvest; perennial herbs continue for multiple seasons. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Typically 7-21 days from seed, though some herbs are commonly propagated vegetatively

Germination temperature

Generally 60-75°F for seed germination

Seed depth

Surface sow to about 1/4 inch depending on seed size

Sowing method

Direct sow, start indoors, or propagate vegetatively depending on species

Start indoors

Often 6-10 weeks before transplanting for slow-growing species

Transplanting

Move outdoors after hardening off when conditions suit the species

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Usually 60-120 days to substantial harvest; perennial herbs continue for multiple seasons

Harvest

Harvest leaves, stems, flowers, or roots at peak quality for the intended use

Propagation

Seed, division, cuttings, or layering depending on species

Seed saving

Allow healthy seed to mature fully before collecting; use species-specific isolation practices where cross-pollination matters.

Pollination

Usually insect-pollinated when flowering; some species self-pollinate

Garden Information

Common pests

Aphids, mites, whiteflies, caterpillars, and other species-specific pests

Common diseases

Root rots, leaf spots, mildews, and other species-specific diseases

Uses

Culinary, aromatic, ornamental, tea, or traditional garden use