herb
Oregano
Origanum vulgare
EdibleMedicinalDrought Tolerant
Edible Partsleaves
Overview
The essential herb of Mediterranean, Mexican, and Greek cuisine, oregano's warm, pungent flavor intensifies when dried — one of few herbs that is actually better dried than fresh. Its essential oil (carvacrol and thymol) has some of the strongest antimicrobial activity of any culinary herb. Greek oregano is the most pungent, while Mexican oregano (a different species) has a citrusy edge suited to Latin dishes.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones4 — 9
Height0.5m
Spread0.5m
Growth HabitForb/herb
LifespanPerennial
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 8
Soil TypeWell-drained, lean, sandy or rocky soil; drought-tolerant
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | Jun — Jun | Plant after last frost; perennial to zone 5 |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Sep | Harvest before flowers open for best flavor |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | May — May | Plant after last frost |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Oct | Harvest before flowers open |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — Nov | Harvest as needed |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide every 3-4 years |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in early spring |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Harvest as needed |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Dec | Harvest year-round |
Uses
Culinary
- Essential in pizza sauce, pasta, and Greek salads
- Dried for Mediterranean and Mexican spice blends
- Fresh in marinades, dressings, and compound butters
Medicinal
- Oil of oregano has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
- Traditional remedy for respiratory infections and coughs
- Antioxidant-rich herb with anti-inflammatory properties
Other Uses
- Drought-tolerant ground cover for herb gardens and rock gardens
- Attracts beneficial pollinators including bees and butterflies
