Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

No kitchen garden is complete without oregano! Aromatic delicious leaves accompany many favorite dishes. Also known for a wide variety of medicinal uses, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nutrients: vitamin k, manganese, iron, and fiber.

How to Grow Oregano from Seed

Bed Preparation

Oregano is a hardy perennial (Zone 5-9) that prefers full sun-partial shade and well-drained soil high in organic matter.

Planting

For best germination, expose seeds to cool, moist conditions (stratification) for 2 weeks before sowing indoors. The refrigerator works well for stratification. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 65-80°F. Sow seeds 1/8” deep and 2-4” apart. Seeds will germinate in 7-14 days. Transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Thin so that mature plants are 18-24" apart.

Harvest

Harvest the aerial parts anytime during the growing season. Oregano can be used fresh or dried in many dishes and medicinally in tinctures, ointments, etc.