When to Plant: Plant after the last danger of frost has passed. Oregano loves warm soil temperatures and can struggle with root health if planted too soon outdoors.

Click here to find your last frost date.

Light: Partial Sun to Full Sun

Soil: Well-drained soil is always best, especially for this Mediterranean native. If planting in a container, use a general purpose mix.

Oregano likes full dry down between watering cycles. Provide moisture when the top 2” of soil/mix is dry or when you notice wilt. Time between watering cycles is determined by your soil type and climate. If in a container, daily watering may be necessary.

If planted in a container, try a slow-release fertilizer for easy care, following the recommended bottle rates. Sometimes, potting mixes incorporate slow release fertilizer that lasts for 6 months.

Fertilizing while planted in ground may not be necessary if soil quality is good.

Harvest oregano after it has been establishing for 3-4 weeks. Cut just above leaf nodes, and never remove more than 40% of the plant in one harvest. Learn more about herb harvesting in one of my Unearth Horticulture episodes!

When oregano goes to flower, it is large attractant of pollinators including bees of all kinds, butterflies and moths, as well as hummingbirds in some instances (though not as largely).