Plant Database / Herbs / Oregano
Herbs

Oregano

Origanum vulgare
Lamiaceae (Mint)

A tough Mediterranean perennial that actually tastes stronger in poor, dry soil.

EdiblePerennialFull sunDrought-toughMedicinalContainer-friendly
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) illustration — Texas Roots plant database, by Jordan Polasek
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low — drought-tough
Soil
Lean, well-drained
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardiness
Hardy perennial
Height
8–24 in
Spacing
12 in
Days to harvest
80–90

What it is

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is in the Lamiaceae (Mint) family. A tough Mediterranean perennial that actually tastes stronger in poor, dry soil.

How to grow it

It wants full sun, water it low — drought-tough, and give it lean, well-drained soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 12 in apart. Expect roughly 80–90. Hardy perennial.

How it's used

Oregano is used: dried, fresh, infused.

🔎 How to identify it

  • Small oval leaves, opposite
  • Square wiry stems
  • Pungent pizza-herb aroma

Edibility

PartsLeaves
UsesDried, fresh, infused
CautionNone.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.

Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.