How to Grow Oregano

Beginner-Friendly

Origanum vulgare

A hardy perennial herb with pungent leaves. Drought-tolerant once established. Spreads vigorously.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
60–90 days
typical
Per Square Foot
1
Plant Spacing
30 cm / 12"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
0.5" / 13 mm
Fertilization
light feeder

Growing Notes

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost. Perennial in zones 5–10. Harvest before flowers open for best flavour.

Varieties & Cultivars

5 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Also called Majoran

(1)
Hungarian
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

milder flavour than Greek oregano; good for cooking; vigorous grower

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (15 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Milder than Greek

(1)
Italian
80–90 days Open-Pollinated

good for pasta sauces

Height
12–24" (30–60 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.3 oz (8 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
6–9
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years

Mixed green and purple leaf variety

(1)
Potpourri
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

attractive variegated appearance; good for borders

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (12 g)
Support
none
Harvest
cut-and-come-again
USDA Zones
4–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

More pungent than Greek

(1)
Hot and Spicy
80–90 days Open-Pollinated

excellent dried

Height
10–15" (25–38 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.3 oz (8 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years

Origanum vulgare var. hirtum

(1)
Greek
80–90 days Open-Pollinated

intense peppery flavour

Height
12–18" (30–45 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.3 oz (8 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
5–9
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside oregano, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Cucumber : Oregano acts as general pest repellent near cucumbers
Squash : Oregano provides general pest repellent for squash
Pepper : Oregano deters pests from peppers
Tomato : Oregano repels aphids and provides general pest deterrent
Cauliflower : Oregano deters cabbage moths from cauliflower
Broccoli : Oregano deters cabbage moths from brassicas
Sweet Potato : Oregano deters pests from sweet potato vines
Zucchini : Oregano provides general pest repellent near zucchini

Keep Apart

Square Foot Spacing

1 per sq ft

12" apart (entire square)

View full spacing chart →

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