Italian Oregano Seeds - Origanum vulgare

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

USDA Zones 4-10: Italian Oregano is a reliable and hardy perennial, dying back to the ground in winter and re-emerging with fresh growth each spring. In zones colder than 4, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered in a pot indoors.

Best Performance: Excels in zones 5-9, where the combination of warm summers and a cool winter dormancy period concentrates the plant's essential oils, leading to the most potent and aromatic flavor.

Northern Zones (4-5): Oregano is tough and will overwinter reliably. In the colder parts of zone 4, applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the plant after the ground freezes can provide extra insulation and ensure its survival.

Hot Climate Zones (9-10): This herb loves the heat. In the most intense desert climates, a little afternoon shade can be beneficial. Excellent soil drainage is absolutely critical to prevent root rot, especially in areas with high humidity or heavy rainfall.

Soil Temperature: Requires warm soil to germinate, with an ideal temperature of 65-70 degrees F.

Growing Season: As a perennial, oregano can be harvested throughout the growing season. Plants started from seed will reach a harvestable size in about 80-90 days. The plant will become much larger and more productive from its second year onward.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Start Seeds:
For best results, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last average frost date. Direct sowing outdoors is possible after the frost danger has passed but can be challenging due to the extremely small seed size.

Starting Indoors:

Fill seed trays with a sterile, light seed-starting mix. Water the mix before you sow.

Oregano seeds are tiny and require light to germinate. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them down to ensure good contact. Do not cover the seeds with soil.

Water from the bottom or use a fine spray mist to avoid dislodging the seeds.

Cover the tray with a plastic dome to keep humidity high and place it in a warm (65-70 degrees F) spot with plenty of light.

Germination can take 10 to 21 days. Once seedlings sprout, remove the plastic cover.

When seedlings have two sets of true leaves, you can thin them or carefully transplant them into larger individual pots.

Transplanting Outdoors:

Harden Off: Gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before planting them in the garden.

Select a Site: Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sun per day.

Soil: Oregano demands well-draining soil. If you have heavy clay, amend it heavily with compost and sand or grow it in raised beds or containers.

Transplant: Plant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, spacing them 10-12 inches apart.

Care and Maintenance:

Watering: Water seedlings regularly to keep the soil lightly moist. Once established, oregano is very drought-tolerant. Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Overwatering is the most common mistake.

Fertilizing: Oregano's flavor is best when grown in lean soil. It does not typically require any fertilizer.

Pruning: Regular harvesting is the best pruning. Trim the plant frequently to encourage a bushy, full shape and prevent it from becoming woody and sparse. If flowers appear, you can trim them off to promote more leaf growth.

Harvesting:
You can begin light harvesting once the plant reaches about 6 inches tall. The flavor is most intense just before the plant flowers. Harvest in the morning by snipping stems, which will encourage the plant to send out new growth. Use the leaves fresh or hang the stems in a dry, airy place to dry for long-term storage.