How to Grow Oregano - "The Pizza Herb"

Knowing how to grow oregano will guarantee you a supply of this delicious versatile "pizza herb" all year round. Just a few plants will give you plenty of fresh leaves for the summer and if grown on a sunny windowsill, you'll have enough to pick all winter long. 

Whether indoors on your windowsill or outside in pots or a herb garden, the leaves of the are a useful addition in every kitchen.

Top Tips on How to Grow Oregano

General Notes:

Growing up to 30in (80cm tall), the oregano plant blooms with small pink or purple flowers and leaves bursting with flavour.

The tiny purple/pink flowers are also edible, although the leaves are more flavoursome if harvested before the herb flowers.

I'd recommend origanum vulgare or Greek oregano when growing this herb, I find these seem to have the best taste and aroma, and are reliable and easy plants to grow.

How to Grow Oregano:

You can start seeds indoors, and plant out after the average last frost date in your area.

• Sow the seed in plug or seed trays. Keep at approx 15-20°C (60-68°F) whilst the seeds are germinating
• Water the young seedlings, but keep on the dry side
• If needed, thin out the seedlings so they have room to grow
• When the seedlings are large enough to handle about 1½ - 2 inches (4-5cm), either transfer to larger pots or if grown in plugs you can plant outside in the prepared herb garden or containers
• When planting outside, choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Space the oregano plants about 10in (30cm) apart

Pick your leaves first thing in the morning, before the sun warms them up and dries them out, and you'll get to appreciate the full benefits of its oil. Read more about the oil.

In the winter cut the plants to about 3 inches above the soil and they will grow again in spring. If it gets too cold, think about adding some mulch or protective fleece to the plants.

From Cuttings:

Take cuttings or divide the roots of older plants in the spring

Pests and Diseases:

Nothing much to worry about, but watch for spider mite.

Harvesting Oregano Plants:

Pick and use the fresh leaves when available. Usually when the plant is at least 4 inches (10cm) tall and with a dozen leaves

Uses For Oregano:

Now you've grown the plant and have an abundance of leaves to use in your cooking, why not also make a healthy drink with them? My oregano tea recipe is ideal.

You can also freeze or dry the leaves for use over the winter.

Click here to return to the main how to grow herbs page.

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