Oregano – Italian

Origanum vulgare. Also known as wild marjoram or bastard thyme, Italian oregano is a bushy, highly aromatic perennial in zone 4. Its narrow leaves and pale to dark pink flowers are popular in sauces and salad dressings. Their taste is milder than Greek oregano.

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

depth of sowing: above ground (press seeds lightly into the soil, but do not cover them)

optimal temperature for germination: 18 to 22ºC

time for germination: 7 to 14 days

When to sow:

sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last date in your area OR

direct sow after any risk of frost, when the soil is warmed up

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR

for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

When all risk of frost is removed

Distance in the garden:

between plants: 30 cm

between rows: 45 cm

Height of the plants: 30 to 45 cm

Soil: well drained, rather dry

Exposure: full sun

Maturation: 85 to 100 days

QUICK STATS

Number of seeds: ±1000

Difficulty: Easy

Type: Heirloom / Open pollinated

Lifecycle:Perennial

Additional information

Weight            0.1 g

Difficulty         

Easy

Sowing          

Direct, Indoor

Lifecycle        

Perennial

Root cellar     

No

Sowing season        

Spring, Fall