Ever wonder how to grow oregano at home so you can enjoy the earthy, rich scent of this versatile herb right in your kitchen? It not only makes your favourite foods taste better, but it also gives your house a little greenery. Whether you have a large garden, a sunny windowsill, or even a small balcony, growing oregano is surprisingly easy.
However, it is not easy to select the best oregano since there are so many varieties available, each with its unique flavours and growth patterns. There is an oregano for every climate and palate, from the fruity Cuban oregano to the spicy Greek oregano.
From selecting the best kind and preparing the soil to planting, watering, and harvesting, this blog will guide you through the entire process. You will also learn how to tackle common diseases and pests.
Let’s start growing oregano right now to turn your house into a flavourful and aromatic retreat!
Different Types of Oregano
Before learning how to grow oregano at home, you should be aware of different types of oregano.There are different varieties of oregano, with unique flavour profiles and growth. Below are some of the most popular kinds that you could choose to grow:
- Origanum vulgare hirtum, or Greek oregano
This is probably the most often used in preparing foods. Its taste is rather robust and spicy. It makes the perfect topping for salads, pastas, or pizzas. It is often grown in the Himalayan region, particularly from Kashmir to Sikkim. - Italian oregano
This is a milder-tasting mix of marjoram and oregano, wonderful in soups and sauces. - Lippia graveolens, or Mexican oregano
Lippia graveolens is not actually a true oregano but is extensively used in Mexican cuisine, with the taste of a lightly citrussy note.
- Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum‘, or golden oregano
This is a pretty species, which may be used as both culinary and ornamental due to its mild flavour and bright golden leaves. - Plectranthus amboinicus, or Cuban oregano
Cuban oregano has thick, fleshy leaves and a strong flavour. This type of oregano is often grown as a houseplant in India. and it is often grown in the southindia region, particularly in Kerela state.
How to Grow Oregano
- Choosing the right type of oregano
While growing oregano, it is important to select the right type. Greek oregano is one of the most common and versatile types that suits preparing Indian or any international cuisine. And if you live in a humid or tropical climate region, Cuban oregano is an excellent choice for you as it grows well there.
Thus, selecting the right type can ensure that your oregano plant satisfies your cooking preferences and grows well in the region you live in.
- Soil Preparation
Oregano grows best in well-draining soil, which prevents waterlogging and damage to its roots. To get the right texture, mix compost, sand, and garden soil. Ensure the pH of the soil is neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–7.5) for proper growth.
- Choosing the growing location
Oregano is a sunloving plant. It requires direct sunlight for about 5 to 6 hours per day. Choose a location like a windowsill, terrace, or sunny balcony for good growth. If you are growing it indoors, make sure the plant should get an adequate light, or you can use grow lights instead.
Adequate light to your plant will enhance the flavour and aroma of the oregano leaves.
- Planting the Oregano
You can grow oregano either from seeds or cuttings.
From seeds: Sprinkle seeds on the ground lightly, top with a thin layer of dirt, and water them sparingly.
From cuttings: Plant a strong stem cutting in moist soil and keep it somewhat shaded until roots start to grow. For the first phases, ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy.
- Watering
Oregano prefers a dry climate and is drought-resistant. Water the plant a little, and allow the soil to dry up in between water applications. You need to observe the plant closely and water only when the soil is dry, as overwatering can cause root rot. Watering a little more in the summer, but not enough to cause waterlogging.
- Fertilising
Fertilise the oregano plant every 4 to 6 weeks to encourage strong growth and tasty leaves. Organic fertilisers such as compost, vermicompost, or diluted cow dung manure could be used. Since oregano prefers a leaner soil in order to retain its unique flavour, don’t use too many chemical fertilisers.
How to Grow Oregna From Seeds
Let’s learn how you can grow oregano from seeds using seed trays
Germintation: Sow oregano seeds in seed trays filled with potting mix. Lightly cover them with dirt. You can soak the seeds in water for two to four hours to speed germination.
Light and Temperature: Place trays in a warm spot with indirect sunlight and temperatures of between 18 and 24 °C. Seeds take 7–14 days to germinate under these conditions.
Transplanting: Transplant seedlings into pots or garden beds when they are 2 to 3 inches tall, with an 8 to 10-inch gap between them to ensure good growth.
How to Care for and Maintain an Oregano Plant
Oregano is a hardy plant, but it still needs proper care to thrive. To keep your plant healthy, follow these tips:
- Pruning: Pruning the plant regularly prevents it from becoming leggy and encourages bushy growth. To encourage branching, pinch off the top leaves.
- Sunlight: Ensure the plant is getting enough sunlight. If you have grown indoors, place grow lights on it or keep it near a sunny window.
- Watering schedule: Oregano is drought-tolerant and prefers more dry conditions, so make sure you don’t overwater it.
- Mulching: Cover the plant with a layer of mulch, especially during the summer, to keep moisture.
- Pest control: Keep an eye for pests such as spider mites and aphids (discussed later in the article).
Harvesting Oregano
When oregano is harvested at the ideal moment, its flavour and scent are maximised. Here’s how to do it:
When to harvest: Wait until the plant is 4–6 inches tall before harvesting. Harvest oregano right before it blooms for maximum flavour.
How to harvest: Cut off the top leaves and stems with sharp scissors. To ensure continued growth, don’t chop off more than one-third of the plant at once.
Drying and Storage: Hang the harvested leaves in a warm, dry place to air-dry them. Store them away from direct sunlight once they are dry and keep them in an airtight container.
Common Diseases and Pests and Their Solutions
Aphids
- Symptoms: Sticky residue and yellowing leaves.
- Solution: Use soapy water or neem oil to mist the plant.
Spider mites
- Symptoms: Withering and tiny webs on leaves.
- Solution: Use insecticidal soap and spritz the plant to increase humidity.
Rotten roots
- Symptoms: Mushy roots due to overwatering and yellowing leaves.
- Solution: Improve the drainage and wait until the soil is dry before next water application.
Mildew powder
- Sympotms: White, powdery spots on the leaves.
- Solution: Remove the affected leaves and spray with a baking soda solution mixed with water.
Conclusion
Everyone interested in cooking or even gardening should learn how to grow oregano at home. There is an absolute necessity in all stages for you to grow a healthy plant, from proper selection of kind of oregano to proper planting in the prepared soil that receives ample sun.
Regular trims, some fertilisers in time, and proper watering make sure strong growth and good-tasting yields. Use the above-discussed advice, and you’ll have your herbs. You’ll have fresh, fragrant oregano to add flavour to your recipes.