Oregano
Origanum vulgare
Oregano is a tough perennial herb with aromatic leaves used in Mediterranean and Mexican cooking. It forms a woody-based mound of small, fuzzy green leaves and can send up pink or purple summer flowers that attract pollinators. It also works as a sunny container plant or groundcover.
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Low
Pet Warning
Oregano contains phenols and terpenoids which can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, in dogs and cats if ingested in large quantities. The essential oil is significantly more toxic than the fresh plant.
Full care guide
Oregano Care
Grow oregano with full sun, lean well-drained soil, and a dry-down between waterings. Harvest before flower for the strongest kitchen flavor.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Give at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. A south windowsill is ideal indoors.
Water
Once established, oregano is drought-tolerant. Water only when the top inch of soil is fully dry. Soggy soil leads to root rot quickly.
Soil
Use a well-draining mix amended with sand or perlite. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil is preferred. Always choose a planter with drainage holes.
Humidity and Temperature
Low humidity is fine. Keep indoor plants away from cold drafts and dry heat vents in winter. Pinch stems regularly for a bushier plant, and harvest leaves just before flowering for the best flavor. Outdoors, mulch can help in cold climates.
Common Issues
Yellow, soft growth usually means overwatering. Leggy stems mean more sun and more pinching are needed.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer
Soil
Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
12-24 inches tall and wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings, root division in spring, or sowing seeds in early spring.
Common Varieties
Greek Oregano (O. vulgare hirtum)
Small pointed deep green leaves densely covered in fine white hairs, giving a fuzzy matte look.
Golden Oregano (O. vulgare 'Aureum')
Small rounded leaves in golden-yellow to chartreuse, forming a low dense mound.
Italian Oregano
Small teardrop-shaped green leaves with a smooth to lightly downy texture along trailing stems.