Growing herbs at home is a great way to fill your garden and kitchen with healthy and fragrant plants and if you are looking for the fragrant and most commonly grown herb, you should choose to grow oregano. Oregano, with its aromatic leaves and savory flavor, adds a burst of flavor to various dishes. In this easy-growing guide, we’ll walk you through care for your oregano plant, whether you’re starting from seeds in pots or opting for cuttings. Learn how to grow and harvest oregano at home and enjoy your aromatic herb for the tastiest meals.
Choosing the Right Variety Of Oregano
If you are planting oregano for the first time then let me tell you that there are two common varieties of oregano, Greek oregano and Italian oregano. So it is best to choose a variety of oregano that suits your culinary preferences and climate.
When to Grow Oregano At Home
Oregano thrives in warm climates, so it’s best to sow the seeds outdoors in the spring or early summer. However, if you prefer to plant it indoors, you can do so at any time during the growing season. Avoid extreme heat, as it can stress the plants.
Selecting Planting Location
Choose a sunny area with well-draining soil. Oregano thrives in full sunlight, so pick a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.
Best Soil For Growing Oregano From Seeds In Pots
Oregano prefers well-draining, dry, and light soil to grow. Ensure good aeration to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. You can also choose to plant oregano in ready-to-use potting soil mix.
The Right Size of Pots or Grow Bags
If growing oregano plants in containers, select 9-15 inches wide and deep pots or grow bags with proper drainage holes. This provides proper space for the roots to spread. Some of the best grow bags or pot sizes for growing oregano plants are as follows:
How To Grow Oregano At Home
After preparing all the things like choosing the right variety, soil, and grow bag, now it is time to know how to grow oregano in pots at home, whether from seeds or cuttings, we are covering all the methods of planting oregano.
A) Growing Oregano From Seeds
- Take a pot or grow bag, and fill it with soil.
- Sprink 5-10 oregano seeds over the soil, and cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil as oregano seeds need light to germinate well.
- Oregano seeds germinate faster in warm climates when the soil temperature is between 18-21°C.
- Water the soil deeply through a watering can, and put the pot in a sunny spot.
- Oregano seeds germinate in about 7-10 days.
B) Start Growing Oregano From Seedlings
- Firstly, purchase healthy oregano seedlings from a nursery.
- Start by digging a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball.
- Next, gently place the seedling in the hole and backfill it with potting soil, taking care to firmly press it around the base of the plant.
- Finally, water the oregano plant thoroughly to give it a good start.
C) How To Grow Oregano From Cuttings
- Take stem cuttings of 4-6 inches from an established oregano plant.
- Place the cuttings in water until roots develop.
- Transplant-rooted cuttings into the well-drained soil.
How To Caring For Oregano Plants
Watering: Oregano is a drought-resistant plant so it does not require a lot of water. Keep the soil consistently moist and allow it to dry out between watering.
Fertilizing: Oregano is a low-maintenance plant that does not require any special fertilizer. You can apply organic fertilizers such as vermicompost, cow dung manure, or mustard cake every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning: In this Oregano plant care, Pruning is very important to encourage the growth of new leaves and enhance the flavor of the oregano. Prune dried and infected flowers and leaves during dry or hot weather to encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting Oregano Leaves
- Oregano plants reach maturity 3 months after planting.
- You can cut the leaves with sharp scissors as needed once the plant reaches 4-6 inches in height.
- The best time to cut the leaves is when they are young.
- Regular harvesting will encourage more leaves but avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time.
FAQs
How do I propagate oregano?
Oregano can be easily propagated through seeds, division, or cuttings. Stem Cuttings are a popular method for quick and easy propagation.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves may sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Adjust watering practices and check proper soil drainage.
Can oregano be grown indoors?
Yes, oregano can be grown indoors from seeds in pots. Provide sufficient sunlight and well-draining soil for successful indoor cultivation.
We hope you learned a lot from our guide on how to grow oregano plant at home, their care, and how to harvest oregano. We shared all the methods of growing or planting oregano from seeds in pots, seedlings, or cuttings at home as well as its care and harvesting methods. Share this article with your family and friends and leave a comment about the post.