Members only
Unlock the Plant Library
Care guides for 220+ plants: light, water, soil, pets, seasonal calendars and troubleshooting. Enter the password from your welcome email to get in.
Plant Profiles / Oregano
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Oregano
Origanum vulgare · Wild marjoram
An aromatic Mediterranean herb for pizza and pasta, with pink flowers bees love.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Let dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry.
Temperature
-15–35°C (5–95°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy.
Growth
Moderate, spreading
SlowFast
30–45 cm.
Soil
Gritty
LeanRich
Free-draining.
Fertiliser
Rarely
RarelyOften
Little.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Mild stomach upset in quantity.
About this plant
Oregano spreads into a mat and thrives in sun with little water. Flavour is strongest just before flowering.
Best spots
Sunny herb pots and balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Origanum vulgare |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Origin | Mediterranean |
| Plant type | Perennial herb |
| Mature size | 30–45 cm |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Pink |
| Toxicity | Low |
| Propagation | Division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest
Trim
HarvestTrim
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leggy | Trim. |
| Rot | Wet. |
| Weak flavour | Sun. |
| Spreading | Divide. |
| Mildew | Airflow. |
Common questions
Harvest?
Before flowering.
Pots?
Yes.
Pet safe?
Mostly.
Perennial?
Yes.
