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Herb
Oregano

Oreganos in Barnhill

Origanum vulgare

A hardy Mediterranean herb that grows best in a sunny, free-draining spot or a pot. In the UK it copes well with cold winters if the soil stays reasonably dry, and the flavour is strongest in dry weather.

Height45cm
SunlightFull Sun
WaterLow Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Oregano

Planting Calendar

Seed IndoorLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Seed DirectLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Growing Guide for

Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.

Best for gardeners starting a few plants at home in pots or a seed bed. It is slow from seed, so expect light picking in the first year and fuller harvests after that.

  1. Sow Seeds

    27 Feb – 30 Mar

    Sow seeds thinly on the surface of seed compost from 27th February to 30th March and press them in gently. Do not cover them deeply, as they need light to germinate.

  2. Thin or Prick Out Seedlings

    4 Apr – 18 Apr

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 4th April to 18th April, thin them or prick them out into small pots. Keep them just moist and give plenty of light so they do not become leggy.

  3. Harden Off

    20 Apr – 4 May

    From 20th April to 4th May, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions over about 10 days. Put them out for longer each day, and protect them from cold nights and strong wind.

  4. Plant Out

    4 May – 28 May

    Move plants to their final position from 4th May to 28th May, once the soil has warmed and all frost risk has passed. Space them apart, plant at the same depth as in the pot, and water them in thoroughly straight away.

  5. Pinch and Water

    30 May – 20 Nov
    every 2 weeks

    From 30th May to 20th November, pinch out the tips regularly to keep plants compact and bushy. Water sparingly once established, only when the compost or soil has dried a little, as oregano dislikes sitting wet.

  6. Harvest Leaves

    6 Jun – 20 Nov
    every 2 weeks

    Start picking lightly from 6th June to 20th November once the plants are well rooted and growing strongly. Snip shoot tips rather than cutting into old bare stems, and keep harvesting little and often to encourage fresh growth.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Oregano.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Oregano to consider

Common Oregano

The standard strong-flavoured form for cooking, with good hardiness in UK gardens.

Aureum

A low-growing oregano with golden foliage and a milder flavour, useful in pots and edging.

Compactum

A smaller, dense form that suits containers and the front of a herb bed.

Variegatum

A variegated oregano grown more for foliage than for heavy picking, with a lighter flavour.

Also in nearby towns

See how Oregano timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.