Oregano: sowing, cultivation, harvest

Description and Botany

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Oregano, wild marjoram, perennial marjoram, or herb of rosary, red tea and bastard thyme… Origanum vulgare is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Western and Southern Europe, belonging to the Lamiaceae family.

The genus origanum comprises 20 species, of which only common oregano, Origanum vulgare, is cultivated. Among the varieties most commonly found in our gardens, we can notably mention Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’, the golden oregano with golden foliage, and Origanum vulgare ‘Variegatum’, with foliage edged in yellow.

Wild marjoram is a plant that can be found in its natural state in mountainous areas up to 2,000 m in altitude. This particularity explains the etymological origin of its name: oros (mountain) and ganos (brightness, cheerful aspect), literally meaning “adornment of the mountains”.

Oregano is a culinary and aromatic plant with a woody base, whose upright stems measure between 30 and 70 cm in height at ripeness. The pubescent (villous) stems have a reddish hue. The very aromatic leaves are rounded, ovate and dark green, measuring between 2 and 4 cm long.

From July to October, wild marjoram produces open panicles or corymbs, composed of small hermaphrodite flowers that are tubular and measure 2 to 4 mm long. A flowering that is highly melliferous, in shades of white to dark pink, surrounded by foliose green bracts tinged with purple.

The physical and organoleptic characteristics of oregano are very similar to those of marjoram, which explains why these two herbs are often confused.
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Our oregano varieties

Classic Varieties

Original Varieties

Origanum vulgare - Oregano

Common oregano is a hardy perennial herb whose leaves emit a subtle and delicate fragrance. This melliferous and easy-to-grow plant can be planted in the ground or in pots. Its leaves are used to flavour sauces, as well as pizzas and olive oil.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 40 cm

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Origanum vulgare Aureum - Oregano

Golden oregano is characterised by its aromatic foliage of golden colour. Fast-growing, this creeping, non-invasive, and decorative plant forms a dense cover and produces clusters of small, purple-pink flowers that are highly melliferous.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 30 cm

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Greek Organic Oregano - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Greek oregano is a hardy perennial aromatic plant, used in the same way as Herbes de Provence. This variety of wild marjoram is particularly fragrant and even slightly spicy. This plant is produced using organic methods.

• Flowering time April to October
• Height at maturity 30 cm

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Origanum vulgare Country cream - Oregano

Variegated oregano is a variety that features variegated foliage, dark green in colour edged with cream white. This hardy perennial herb with aromatic leaves emits a subtle and delicate fragrance used in cooking.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 40 cm

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Origanum vulgare Hot and Spicy - Oregano

Hot and Spicy oregano is a variety of wild marjoram whose leaves emit a particularly strong fragrance. It even exudes peppery and spicy notes. The plug plants of this Hot and Spicy oregano are produced using organic methods.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 30 cm

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Origanum vulgare Compactum - Oregano

Origanum vulgare Compactum is a variety of wild marjoram particularly suited as an aromatic groundcover. It is ideal for Mediterranean rockeries with a dense and compact habit.

• Flowering time June to October
• Height at maturity 40 cm

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Planting Wild Marjoram

Oregano is a perennial, hardy plant (down to -15°C), resistant to both cold and drought. It can be planted in a variety of climates, preferably in light, loose, fertile, cool, and humus-bearing soil. Note that oregano is capable of thriving in all types of soil, even calcareous. However, be cautious, as although hardy, wild marjoram does not tolerate cold and humidity combined. Sensitive to excess moisture, ensure it is planted in well-drained soil.

Where to plant oregano?

Wild marjoram can be planted directly in the vegetable garden (it gets along with most vegetable plants). If your soil is rather clayey and moist, it is better to grow oregano in a pot or on a small mound. In any case, whether grown in a pot or in the ground, always prefer a sunny location, which is much more beneficial for the development of oregano.

Herb garden, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, oregano © Onnola – Flickr

When to plant wild marjoram?

The planting of oregano takes place in spring or autumn (from September until the end of October). Depending on the varieties, wild marjoram can be planted as early as April. It will then be harvested as needed until November at the latest. Harvest usually ends between September and October, depending once again on the variety grown.

How to plant oregano?

In the ground

1. Space the plants 30 cm apart in all directions.
2. Add well-matured compost to the soil at the time of planting.
3. Add a little sand if the soil is too heavy.
4. Dig a hole three times the volume of the root ball.
5. Place the root ball in the hole and cover it with fine soil.
6. Firm down and water without over-saturating.

In a pot

1. Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of a pot.
2. Fill the rest of the container with a mix of potting soil and sand.
3. Place the root ball and cover it with fine soil.
4. Water regularly, without allowing water to stagnate in the saucer.

Care and Maintenance of Oregano

Wild marjoram is a hardy and easy-to-cultivate plant that requires little maintenance to thrive.

Oregano in the garden and in pots – © Maja Dumat – Flickr

Maintenance of wild marjoram in the ground

• Oregano is a very heat-resistant plant, provided that heatwaves are neither too long nor too frequent. When grown in the ground, apart from the watering that follows its planting, oregano generally does not require additional watering. The only exception is that you can water it in the evening if your garden is experiencing a significant and prolonged drought. Be careful not to water your oregano plants in winter. Indeed, the plant dislikes the combination of cold and moisture.
• Regularly hoe and weed to promote the growth of your wild marjoram plants.
• A formative pruning at the very beginning of spring is beneficial for oregano. Trim the dry stems at this time.
• Cut the clump back to the ground in autumn and mulch the base to protect the plant from frost and winter cold. Hardy down to -15°C, oregano does not require any other winter protection.

Maintenance of oregano in pots

Wild marjoram in pots needs to be watered regularly during summer. Watering should be daily in case of high summer temperatures. In winter, continue to water pots protected from rain, ensuring to let the soil dry on the surface (by 2 to 3 cm) between waterings. Never allow standing water in the saucers of your oregano pots as this risks rotting their roots.

Even though oregano is a hardy plant, do not hesitate to protect your outdoor pots with fleece during particularly cold days. However, remember to remove the fleece as soon as temperatures rise a bit.

Note: Whether in the ground or in pots, oregano is a low-maintenance plant that requires no fertilisation. Nitrogen fertiliser should be excluded, as it reduces the aromatic qualities of wild marjoram and makes it more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Harvest, storage, and use

Harvesting Wild Marjoram

Oregano is harvested as needed, between May and September, or from June to November depending on the cultivated varieties.

Harvest oregano stems preferably in the morning, as their aroma is more pronounced at that time. To do this, simply cut the stems cleanly before using them immediately or drying them.

Storing Oregano

Although it is recommended to use them quickly after picking, fresh oregano stems can be stored for several days in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.

You can also freeze them or dry them. For the latter option, dry the stems upside down in a dry, airy place protected from light. Strip the stems to harvest the dried leaves that you will then store in an airtight container.

Uses of oregano

Wild marjoram is an herb cultivated for its fragrance and flavour, but also for its medicinal properties.

Oregano in Cooking

Oregano is ubiquitous in Italian cuisine. Its powerful flavour can be found in pizzas, tomato sauces, grilled dishes, and flavoured oils. More broadly, wild marjoram is a highly valued aromatic and culinary plant in the Mediterranean Basin, also present in Portuguese, Greek, Cretan, Moroccan, and Provençal cuisines. Oregano is indeed part of the traditional bouquet of Herbes de Provence, alongside thyme and rosemary.

Wild marjoram can be used in a wide variety of dishes, particularly to flavour quiches, chillies, and stews.

Medicinal Use of Wild Marjoram

The benefits of oregano are numerous. It is an excellent source of iron, calcium, manganese, and vitamins K and E. It contains vitamins with antioxidant properties, which contribute to blood clotting and bone formation.
Wild oregano is particularly rich in polyphenols, giving it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are useful for preventing cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

Oregano infusions are traditionally used to relieve colds, digestive issues, and flu symptoms. It is also used as a mouthwash to combat harmful bacteria. It is believed to have properties against pain related to rheumatism and skin problems.

Oregano essential oil is used in homeopathy to treat spasmodic pain, stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

Diseases and potential pests

Wild marjoram is a plant that is not very susceptible to diseases and pests. However, it can be subject to attacks from red spider mites and suffer from black spot disease of oregano. This disease manifests as black spots of varying sizes that appear on the leaves and stems, causing the premature and rapid death of the plant.

Multiplication of oregano

Wild marjoram can be propagated by sowing, division of clumps, and propagation by cuttings.

How to sow oregano?

Sowing of oregano takes place between the months of March and May, at a temperature ranging from 13 to 16°C.

• Prepare trays filled with a good seed compost.
• Space the sowings about 30 cm apart to allow each plant to develop well.
• Lightly bury the seeds by covering them with just a pinch of compost or vermiculite.
• Place the oregano sowings in full light.
• Keep the substrate moist, without waterlogging it.
• Germination usually occurs within 10 to 24 days.

Transplanting wild marjoram seedlings

Transplanting into pots of the plants obtained by sowing occurs when the seedlings are strong enough to be handled.

• Transplant when the plants have between 4 and 5 leaves.
• Space them 30 cm apart.
• Gradually acclimatise the young plants to cooler conditions.
• Water regularly without waterlogging the substrate.
• Transplanting into pots or into the ground takes place when the plants are well developed.

How to divide wild marjoram?

In addition to sowing, it is also possible to multiply oregano plants by division. This is, in fact, the fastest and most reliable method of propagation here.

• Choose an oregano plant that is at least one year old.
• Cut the root ball in half using a spade.
• Transplant the oregano divisions into a hole three times the volume of the root ball.
• Cover with fine soil.
• Firm down and water without waterlogging.

How to propagate oregano by cuttings?

Oregano is also easy to propagate by cuttings.

• Take a stem about 10 cm long.
• Place it in a glass filled with water.
• Wait for new roots to appear before transplanting it into a pot.
• Then use a pot filled with soil resting on a layer of clay pebbles.

Pairing Wild Marjoram

Oregano thrives alongside other aromatic plants such as parsley, sages, thyme, and rosemary.