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Oregano

Origanum vulgare

HerbsPerennialFrost HardyToxic

Mediterranean herb with intensely flavored leaves that dry well. Cut back hard in spring to encourage fresh, compact growth.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterLowCalculate watering amount
Height20–40 cm
Spread45 cm
Spacing30 cm
Row Spacing45 cm
Germination7–14 days
To Harvest60–90 days

Companion Planting

Bad Companions

None

Toxicity

SeverityMildly toxic
Toxic toDogs, Cats

Contains gastrointestinal irritants that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in pets; concentrated forms like essential oil are more dangerous. Safe for humans at culinary amounts.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun (6-8 hours daily); thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like conditions.
SoilPoor to average, well-draining soil; sandy or gravelly is ideal — rich, fertile soil reduces flavor intensity.
Sowing Depth0.1 cm
Planting Depth3 cm
WateringWater sparingly; let soil dry between waterings and reduce to every 10-14 days once established, as oregano is very susceptible to root rot from overwatering.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingNot a heavy feeder; a small amount of compost at planting is sufficient for the entire season.

Care Tip: Trim back by two-thirds after flowering to encourage bushy new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy and woody.

Common Pests

Aphids

Symptoms: Stunted growth, yellowing and distorted leaves, sticky honeydew residue on foliage.

Treatment: Dislodge with a strong water spray; for persistent infestations apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to leaf undersides.

Prevention: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings; avoid over-fertilizing which promotes soft, aphid-attracting growth.

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Fine webbing on leaf undersides, stippled or bronzed yellowing foliage, overall plant decline.

Treatment: Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce predatory mites for biological control.

Prevention: Maintain adequate humidity around plants and keep foliage dust-free; avoid drought stress which favors mite outbreaks.

Leaf Miners

Symptoms: Meandering tan or brown trails (mines) visible inside leaves as larvae feed between leaf surfaces.

Treatment: Remove and destroy affected leaves before larvae mature; no effective chemical spray once larvae are inside the leaf.

Prevention: Use floating row covers to exclude adult flies; remove plant debris at end of season to reduce overwintering pupae.

Common Diseases

Botrytis Rot (Gray Mold)

Symptoms: Older interior leaves develop gray fuzzy mold and begin to rot, spreading outward through the plant.

Treatment: Remove and destroy infected plant material immediately; severely infected plants should be fully removed to prevent spread.

Prevention: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately; avoid overhead watering and water at the base instead.

Root Rot (Rhizoctonia)

Symptoms: Gradual wilting despite adequate watering; brown or black discoloration at the stem base and roots.

Treatment: No cure once established; remove and destroy the plant and do not replant oregano in the same spot for at least three years.

Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and ensure containers have adequate drainage holes.

Rust

Symptoms: Small circular orange-brown pustules on leaf undersides and stems, leading to leaf yellowing and drop.

Treatment: Prune and destroy affected foliage promptly; apply a sulfur-based or copper fungicide if caught early.

Prevention: Avoid wetting foliage when watering; space plants for airflow and remove fallen debris around the base.