Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Oregano

Planting Calendar

TransplantLater

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F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

PruneNow

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F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

HarvestNow

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F

M

A

M

J

A

S

O

N

D

MaintenanceNow

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F

M

A

M

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A

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O

N

D

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.

Prepare the Site
3 Apr – 1 May
From 3rd April to 1st 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.
Plant Out
1 May – 18 May
Set plants in their final position from 1st May to 18th May and firm them in gently. Space them apart, then water in thoroughly straight away so the roots settle.
Pinch Back New Growth
23 May – 20 Dec
every 3 weeks
From 23rd May to 20th December, 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.
Water Sparingly
9 May – 20 Dec
every 2 weeks
From 9th May to 20th December, 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.
Harvest Leaves
8 Jun – 20 Dec
every 2 weeks
Pick from 8th June to 20th December by snipping the top few centimetres of each shoot. Regular picking keeps the plant bushy and gives you the best-flavoured leaves.

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.

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Calabrese

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Fruit

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Also in nearby towns

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