Origanum vulgare

Sowing and care guidance

Origanum vulgare seeds prefer full sun to light shade and lean, well-drained soil. Start indoors before last frost or direct sow after last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Sow on the surface or barely cover, as seeds need light; keep evenly moist until germination. Transplant sturdy seedlings once the soil is workable, spacing to allow good airflow; follow packet guidance, as plants form low to medium, spreading clumps. Water sparingly once established and avoid rich feeds. Pinch young growth to encourage branching, and trim lightly after flowering. In colder winters, mulch crowns; in containers, ensure sharp drainage to prevent waterlogging.

• Suitable for containers; use a free-draining mix and a pot with ample drainage.
• Flowers are attractive to a range of pollinating insects.
• Edible leaves; commonly used in savoury cooking.
• Ornamental foliage and soft blooms add texture to mixed plantings.

How do I grow Origanum vulgare from seed?

Sow tiny oregano seeds on the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost and press lightly so they make contact; do not bury, as light aids germination. Maintain gentle, even moisture with a fine mist and keep warm at about 18–22°C in bright light. Germination typically takes 7–21 days. When seedlings have two true leaves, prick out into small pots and grow on in bright, airy conditions to avoid legginess. Harden off gradually, then transplant after frost risk has passed, spacing to allow good airflow. Keep early growth modestly moist but never waterlogged.

When should I sow oregano seeds after the last frost?

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost so seedlings are ready to plant out once the soil is workable and nights are mild. Transplant or direct sow outdoors after the last frost when daytime warmth is consistent and soil temperatures are around 15°C or higher. In mild, frost-free climates, autumn sowing is possible so plants establish during the cooler, wetter months. Avoid sowing into very hot, dry conditions, which can slow germination and establishment.

What are the full sun requirements and best soil for oregano?

Oregano thrives in full sun to light shade; more sun generally produces sturdier, more compact growth, while a touch of afternoon shade can help in very hot summers. Provide well-drained, moderately fertile soil—sandy or gritty textures are ideal, and raised beds or mounded rows help shed excess water. Aim for neutral to slightly alkaline pH and avoid heavy, water-retentive substrates. Water to establish, then allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings; persistent wetness is more harmful than brief dryness. Go easy on fertiliser, as overly rich soils encourage soft, floppy growth.

Can I grow oregano in containers?

Yes—choose a pot 20–30 cm wide with ample drainage holes and use a free-draining mix (general potting compost blended with grit, perlite, or coarse sand). Position in full sun and water deeply, then let the top few centimetres of mix dry before watering again. Feed sparingly once or twice in the growing season with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser. Trim lightly to keep plants bushy, and refresh the top layer of compost or divide congested clumps every 2–3 years. In areas with hard freezes, protect container plants by insulating pots or moving them to a sheltered, unheated, bright spot to avoid winter wet and root damage.

Is oregano perennial from seed?

Origanum vulgare is a perennial, and seed-grown plants usually reach useful size in their first season, becoming fuller in year two. Once established, plants tolerate cold well, but winter wet is more damaging than frost; ensure sharp drainage. Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh basal growth. Allowing some blooms supports pollinators; deadhead after flowering if you wish to limit self-seeding. Mulching with gravel around the crown can help keep moisture away from stems in wet climates.

Companion planting with oregano: what grows well with it?

Oregano pairs well with sun-loving, drought-tolerant herbs and vegetables that prefer lean, well-drained soils, such as thyme, sage, rosemary, lavender, peppers, tomatoes, and aubergines. Its flowers attract pollinators and other beneficial insects, supporting nearby crops. Avoid crowding moisture-loving plants alongside oregano; differing water needs are easier to manage if grouped separately or grown in individual containers. Maintain spacing for good airflow so companions do not shade or overwhelm this low to medium-height herb.

This growing guidance provides general best-practice information compiled from horticultural references and supplier data. Conditions vary with microclimate, soil type, drainage, and exposure, so timings and techniques may need adjustment in your setting. Product pages include variety-specific instructions, including sowing depth, spacing, and timing relative to last frost or when soil is workable, offering the most precise guidance for that product. In mild climates some autumn sowing may be possible. Adaptation to prevailing weather and site conditions is often necessary.

More about this seed listing

These Origanum vulgare seeds are selected for reliable germination and true-to-type growth. Surface sow or cover very lightly, as light can aid sprouting; maintain gentle, even moisture and warmth around 18–22°C. Start indoors when outdoor soil is still cool, then transplant after the last frost once seedlings show 4–6 true leaves. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible where soils drain freely. Choose a sunny position with well‑drained, moderately fertile soil; avoid waterlogging. Space plants to allow airflow, pinch early growth to encourage branching, and remove spent flower spikes to sustain leafy vigor. Containers with gritty media suit compact forms. Expect perennial persistence in frost‑free conditions; in colder climates, mulch crowns when the soil first cools and keep roots relatively dry. Further information and catalogue context is available at SeedsChoice.