Common Oregano
The standard strong-flavoured form for cooking, with good hardiness in UK gardens.
When to plant Oregano in Perth
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.
45 cm · Full Sun · Low Water
Calibrated to Perth · average last frost around 9 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
Growing guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
This is the easiest way to grow oregano for most UK gardens. Plant from bought plugs or divisions and you can start light picking much sooner than from seed.
01
Prepare the Site
25 Apr to 23 MayFrom 25th April to 23rd May, choose a sunny, free-draining spot or a pot with gritty compost. Clear weeds and work in a little horticultural grit if the soil tends to stay wet.
02
Plant Out
23 May to 9 JunSet plants in their final position from 23rd May to 9th June and firm them in gently. Space them apart, then water in thoroughly straight away so the roots settle.
03
Pinch Back New Growth
6 Jun to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 3 weeksFrom 6th June to 8th November, pinch out the growing tips to make the plant branch and stay compact. If flowers start to form, remove the tips early so the plant puts its energy into leafy growth.
04
Water Sparingly
23 May to 8 Nov Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksFrom 23rd May to 8th November, water only when the top of the soil has dried out. Container plants need checking more often, but they still prefer a lighter touch than most herbs.
05
Harvest Leaves
22 Jun to 9 Oct Dates as each sowing reaches this stage Optional · repeat every 2 weeksPick from 22nd June to 9th October by snipping the top few centimetres of each shoot. Regular picking keeps plants compact and productive.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Oregano to consider
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.
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