Greek Oregano

Lamiaceae

The TRUE culinary oregano — robust, pungent flavor that intensifies when dried. Gray-green oval leaves, white/pink/purple flowers midsummer. Spreads via underground runners — moderate spreader, manageable with regular division. Seed-grown oregano may not come true for flavor; cuttings from known-good plants strongly preferred. Wild oregano (O. vulgare) has very weak flavor. Replace or divide every 3-4 years as plants become woody.

At a Glance

Days to Maturity

60–80 days

Sun

6+ hours

6+ hours full sun

Spacing

12–18 "

Container

Yes

2+ gallon pot

Height

1–2 ft

Zone Planting Guide

Your USDA Zone:

Growing Guide

Germination

Optimal Temp 70°F

Transplanting

Min Soil Temp 55°F

Watering

Weekly Water 0.5–1 "

Needs Low

Soil

pH Range 6–8

Soil Type Well-drained, tolerates poor/rocky soil

Resilience

Heat: Moderate Cold: Moderate-high Drought: High

Nutrition

Feeding Intensity Light feeder

Harvest

Peak oil just before flowering. Harvest in morning.

Sources

university Illinois Extension — Oregano university UF/IFAS — Growing Oregano university Maryland Extension — Oregano

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Greek Oregano Planting Dates by Zone

Planting dates for Greek Oregano vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.

Zone 5A Zone 5B Zone 6A Zone 6B Zone 7A Zone 7B Zone 8A Zone 8B Zone 9A Zone 9B

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