Origanum vulgare (Oregano) is a popular culinary herb plant that is native to the Mediterranean region but naturalised around the world. Oregano is an easy to grow herb that is hardy, quick growing and produces pretty flowers during Spring. Ideal in pots, balconies and as a companion plant in garden beds, Oregano is one tasty herb that deserves a place in your garden, not just your pizza.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
In some cultures, Oregano is called Wild Marjoram and is in the same genus as Sweet Marjoram which is a close relative. Both herbs are commonly used in many Mediterranean cuisines including Italian, Spanish, French, Greek and Turkish.
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Growth
Origanum vulgare is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to 90cm (3 feet) tall by 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide. Oregano is a versatile plant that enjoys full sun, light watering, copes with poor soils and tolerates sub-zero temperatures including frost.
During Spring, Oregano can produce flowers on erect spikes that range in colours that include white, pink or light purple. The flowers are not only aromatic but are excellent at attracting beneficial insects into the garden.
In ideal climates, Oregano takes between 80-100 days to be ready to harvest.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 90cm (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1.2m (4 feet)
pH:
6.0-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
80-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 9000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT ORIGANUM VULGARE (Oregano)
Oregano oil, which is derived from the leaves of the plant, has been part of folk medicine for centuries. Oregano is not only a culinary spice, it is also used as alternative herbal remedies for ailments such as diabetes, depression, inflammation and colds.
For more information regarding the medicinal benefits of Oregano please click here.
