Oregano care guide
Origanum vulgare
Also known as: Wild marjoram
Pets and children
Caution advised
Reported to cause mild vomiting or diarrhea in dogs and cats that eat it; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Oregano
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- Prefers dryish soil: water a day or two after the topsoil dries, as a guide, and keep it out of the rain in the rainy season.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 5 days
- Drying slows, so wait a few days after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- With the top died back and resting, a light watering a few days after the soil dries is the guide.
Light and placement for Oregano
Generally likes a sunny, airy spot outdoors, and as a guide full sun brings out the strongest aroma; it grows in part shade too but tends to get leggy.
Overwintering Oregano
Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above
Hardy and generally left outdoors over winter as a guide: the top dies back to small buds at the base that grow away in spring, so water sparingly and keep the pot under the eaves where frost heave is unlikely.
Fertilizing and repotting Oregano
Fertilizer
Feed very lightly, with a little slow-release fertilizer in spring as a guide; more makes it leggy and prone to rot, and none is given in midsummer or winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Oregano
- In the rainy season and summer it rots brown from the inside out.
- The stems sprawl and flop, and the parts touching the soil rot.
- Once it flowers the leaves toughen and lose fragrance.
Tips for growing Oregano
- Cut it back by about half before the rainy season so it comes through summer without rotting.
- For cooking, choose a strongly scented strain; the aroma varies a lot between plants.
- Divide it every two or three years in spring or fall to keep it vigorous.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
