Crops › Oregano
How to grow Oregano
in the US
Sow March to May, plant out June, harvest May to September. About 90 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Oregano is a proper cracking herb to have on your plot, really versatile in the kitchen. It’s pretty easy to get going and doesn’t ask for much, just keeps on giving you lovely fragrant leaves. It’s one of those plants that just seems happy doing its own thing, you know.
Sowing
Right, sowing oregano. You can get it going from seed, and the timing depends on your USDA zone, like I say in the app. If you're in a colder zone, like 3, aim for May or June. Warmer zones, say 8 or 9, can start as early as January or February. Sow seeds thinly in a tray indoors about 8-10 weeks before your last frost, or directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, depending on the variety. Just a light covering of soil, about a quarter inch, as they need a bit of light to sprout. Keep the compost moist and warm, around 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Growing on
Once your indoor seedlings have their first true leaves, it’s time to prick them out carefully into individual small pots. Let them grow on a bit, getting stronger. Before planting them out on the plot, harden them off properly for a week or two, slowly getting them used to the cooler outdoor conditions. When all danger of frost has gone, plant them out about 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart in a sunny spot. If you’re short on space, they do really well in containers too, you know.
Looking after it
Oregano isn't a divvy, it doesn't need loads of fuss. Water it when the soil feels dry, but don't drown it, mind. They don't need much in the way of feeding, a bit of compost worked into the soil before planting is usually plenty. Pinch back the stems regularly, that encourages it to grow bushier and gives you more leaves to harvest.
What goes wrong
To be honest, oregano doesn't get hit by too many problems. Slugs can be a bother when the plants are small and tender, so keep an eye out for them and maybe use some beer traps or a physical barrier. Aphids might show up now and then, especially on new growth. A good strong spray of water usually sorts them out, or just rub them off with your fingers.
Harvest
You'll be harvesting your oregano about 90 days after sowing, usually from July onwards. The best time to pick is just before the plant flowers, when the flavor is at its peak. Snip off the stems with sharp scissors, leaving a few inches of growth so the plant can bounce back. You can use it fresh, dry it for later by hanging bunches upside down, or even freeze the leaves in ice cube trays with a bit of water or olive oil.
I always grow a few oregano plants in pots near the kitchen door, that way I can just nip out and snip a few leaves off whenever I need them for cooking.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Greek Oregano Greek Oregano is a really reliable performer, proper strong flavor for all your cooking. Best for folks who want that classic taste and don't mind starting seeds indoors. | No club votes yet |
| Italian Oregano Italian Oregano is another cracking variety that grows well directly on the plot. Great for gardeners who prefer direct sowing and a milder, sweeter flavor. | No club votes yet |
| Hot & Spicy This Hot & Spicy variety adds a real kick to your dishes, a bit different from the usual. Perfect for those who like a bit of heat and are happy to start indoors. | No club votes yet |
| Zaatar (Syrian) Zaatar (Syrian) is a unique oregano, with a distinct flavor that's lovely in Mediterranean cooking. Ideal for gardeners wanting something a bit different and who sow outdoors. | No club votes yet |
| Kaliteri Kaliteri is a fantastic Greek variety, known for its excellent flavor and aroma. A good choice for anyone wanting a high-quality herb and willing to start seeds inside. | No club votes yet |
| Cretan Cretan Oregano is a robust plant that performs well when sown directly into the soil. It's a great option for gardeners looking for a hardy variety to grow outdoors. | No club votes yet |
| True Greek True Greek Oregano gives you that authentic, pungent flavor that’s just brilliant in so many dishes. Perfect for those who want the real deal and are happy to sow indoors. | No club votes yet |
| Turkish Turkish Oregano is a strong, aromatic variety that thrives when sown directly into the garden. It’s a good, reliable choice for outdoor growing and robust flavors. | No club votes yet |
| Compacta Greek Compacta Greek is a smaller plant, absolutely perfect if you're growing in pots or don't have much space. Great for windowsills or small balconies, starting indoors. | No club votes yet |
| Aureum Aureum, or Golden Oregano, has lovely golden-green leaves and a good, mild flavor. A nice choice for a bit of color in the herb garden, especially for outdoor sowing. | No club votes yet |
| Common Oregano Common Oregano is a dependable workhorse, giving you plenty of leaves for everyday cooking. A solid choice for beginners who want a reliable indoor starter. | No club votes yet |
| Golden Oregano Golden Oregano is a bright, cheerful plant with a gentle flavor and pretty foliage. It’s a nice addition to any garden and does well with direct sowing. | No club votes yet |
| Variegata Variegata Oregano has attractive variegated leaves, adding a bit of visual interest to your herb patch. Good for those who like a pretty plant as well as a tasty herb, starting indoors. | No club votes yet |
| Vulgare Vulgare is a classic oregano, known for its robust growth and good, strong flavor. A cracking choice for anyone wanting a traditional variety that thrives outdoors. | No club votes yet |
| Hopley's Hopley's Oregano is a reliable variety, giving a good yield of flavorful leaves. It’s a great all-rounder for general use, best started indoors. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Oregano seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May to June | July to September |
| Zone 4 | April to June | June to September |
| Zone 5 | April to June | June to September |
| Zone 6 | March to May | May to September |
| Zone 7 | March to May | May to September |
| Zone 8 | February to May | April to September |
| Zone 9 | January to May | March to September |
| Zone 10 | December to May | March to September |
Cook the harvest
A properly made homemade pizza where fresh oregano — not dried, not from a jar — is applied generously at the end of baking so its volatile oils are preserved and its flavor is bright rather than musty. The oregano is the finishing touch that makes this pizza taste genuinely different from a takeout version. Simple ingredients: a good dough, crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and abundant fresh oregano.
32 min · mediumA punchy, herbal vinaigrette where fresh oregano is the dominant flavor — blended into the dressing itself rather than simply stirred through so that every drop carries the herb's earthy, slightly peppery character. This is the dressing for a Greek salad, a simple green salad, grilled vegetables, or marinated white beans. It works anywhere a bright, oregano-forward oil and vinegar dressing would be welcome.
8 min · easyA simple but deeply flavorful roast chicken marinated in a generous amount of fresh oregano, lemon, garlic, and olive oil — the essential flavors of Greek cooking applied to a whole bird. The oregano is not a finishing sprinkle; it forms a thick, fragrant crust over the skin and permeates the meat during the long marinade. Roasted until golden and crackling, this is the Sunday chicken you'll make every week through oregano season.
85 min · easyThe classic Greek salad — Horiatiki — made exactly as it should be: no lettuce, no chopped herbs stirred through, and fresh oregano scattered over generously at the end as the defining finishing herb. The oregano is not incidental; it is the flavor that ties the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta together into something that tastes unmistakably of Greece. Use the best, ripest tomatoes you can find and a fruity olive oil — this salad is only as good as its ingredients.
15 min · easyWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: marigolds, nasturtium
Questions people ask
When do you sow Oregano in the US?
Sow Oregano from March to May in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out June, after the last frost.
How long does Oregano take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 90 days, with the harvest May to September.
Which Oregano varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Greek Oregano, Italian Oregano, Hot & Spicy, Zaatar (Syrian) and more.
Track your Oregano from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.