Oregano is a perennial culinary herb that flowers. Use it in pasta dishes, sauces, soups and Mediterranean dishes.
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Phoenix Gardening Steps: Grow Oregano
- When and How to Plant Oregano
- What grows well near Oregano and what doesn’t?
- What Oregano Needs to Grow and How to care for Oregano
- Harvesting Oregano- When is the ideal time to pick oregano?
When to Plant and How to Grow Oregano
Oregano, Origanum vulgare, is a perennial herb that can be planted by seed or propagated from a cutting. Plant in your Phoenix garden or gardening zone 9b in the spring February through April or in the months of October and November.
If planting by seed place the seeds about 1/4 inch under the soil. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Seeds will germinate in a week or two.
Oregano takes 80 days to reach maturity, however you can start harvesting the herb by six weeks.
- Sprouts within 1-2 weeks
- Ideal temperature is around 70-75 degrees
- Seed depth: 1/4 inch
- Plant spacing: 12″ apart
- Sun: 8+ hours of sun, frost hardy
- Height: 12 -36″inches tall
Companion Plants for Oregano
Oregano is a natural insect repellant, so it makes a great companion for all vegetables and flowers. Oregano deters the cabbage moths and is especially beneficial to grow with broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
How to Care for Oregano
Light Requirements: Oregano prefers full sun or 6-8 hours of sun.
Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile well-drained soil. Oregano like most herbs prefers neutral and slightly acidic pH. The soil pH range of 6-7 is ideal.
Water Requirements: Oregano likes consistent moisture. Water frequently so the soil stays moist, but not wet.
When to Harvest Oregano
If planting by seed Oregano should be ready to harvest around six weeks. As with all herbs you can start snipping sprigs when Oregano is a few inches high.
Oregano will stay evergreen year round in Phoenix.
