🌿HerbsHardy
When to plant Oregano
Default: central Europe (50°N)· 50.0°N
Last spring frost: 5 May
First autumn frost: 5 Oct
Frost-free season: 153 days
Calendar windows
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
Sow indoors
10 Mar – 31 Mar
Plant out
12 May – 19 Jun
Dates shift with your latitude — they are calculated from your local last-spring-frost date, not from a fixed calendar.
At a glance
Light
Full sun
Water needs
Low
Frost hardiness
Hardy
Takes frost; can go out weeks before the last one.
Life cycle
Perennial
Spacing
30 × 40 cm
Sowing depth
0.3 cm
Soil pH
6.0–8.0
Containers
Great in pots
Plant family
Mint family
Soil temp. to sow
≥ 15°C
Practical notes
Grow it hard and dry in full sun — rich soil and shade give a bland plant. Cut the whole thing back by half after flowering and it regrows tight and aromatic.
Knowing when to pick
Flavour peaks just as the flower buds show. Cut stems 5 cm above the base and hang them in bunches.
Storing the crop
Dried oregano is stronger than fresh — crumble the leaves off the dried stems and keep in a sealed jar for a year.
Crop rotation
Mostly perennial — give them a permanent sunny spot rather than a rotation slot.
Grows well with
Keep apart from
Watch for
Full guide: oregano diseases and pests (2) → with spread routes, compost verdicts and the prevention this list justifies.