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Growing Oregano, also Pot Marjoram

(Oreganum spp)

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
		S	P	P

(Best months for planting Oregano in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.

Sow in garden, or start in seed trays. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 64°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
Space plants: 6 inches apart
Harvest in 6-8 weeks. When flowers appear.
Compatible with: Broccoli

"Pizza" oregano
Oregano flowering
Variegated Origanum

Perennial growing to around 45 cm (17") high. Cut the stems back to the ground to encourage new growth.

There are two main varieties.

"Greek Oregano" is the type normally associated with Oregano flavor.

"Common Oregano" or Marjoram has a less pungent, sweeter taste and is more commonly grown.

For best flavour harvest in the morning just after the dew has lifted.

Easily propagated from root division. It can be hard to germinate seed. Can be grown from cuttings.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Oregano

Used to flavour tomato dishes, soups, sauces and Greek dishes like moussaka

Your comments and tips

02 Jan 12, (Australia - temperate climate): How can you tell the difference between Marjorum and Oregano? I have a ground cover type plant that produces purple flowers and I have lost the tag to what it is.
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18 Aug 09, Olivia Brown (Australia - cool/mountain climate): thanks, twas really heplful
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03 Sep 12, George (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I had a similar problem when I bought home a seedling labeled as 'Golden Marjoram' but which looked very much like Italian Oregano. Best as I can work out Marjoram tends to have smaller lighter colored leaves, and most importantly it has a perfumy/soap aroma. Oregano tends to smell woody and much more subtle.
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14 Mar 11, jen (Australia - sub-tropical climate): plant in full sun??
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Replying to:

thanks, twas really heplful

- Olivia Brown

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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