When to plant oregano?
Sow oregano indoors in March, April and May, on the surface, at about 20 °C, and plant it in May and June, after the last frost. In Campania the transplant is in autumn or at the end of winter, on a crop of 3-4 years, and Sicily and Umbria write no month.
When, by region
| North | Centre | South | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sowing | Indoors in March, April and May, on the surface, uncovered, at about 20 °C (68 °F). Up in 1-3 weeks. Plant in May and June, after the last frost: seed-raised plants in late spring or early summer, and bought plants settle quickly if planted in late spring. In a pot, the herbs page also sows it outdoors in May. | Umbria's 2025 sheets do not include oregano, and no month is written. | In Campania the transplant is in autumn or at the end of winter, on soil with no waterlogging, from direct sowing or from young plants. The climate it names is warm and with little rain. Sicily has no oregano chapter. |
| Spacing | At least 20-30 cm (8-12 in) apart, at the same depth as before. The plant reaches 30-60 cm (1-2 ft), depending on the variety. In a pot, one in at least 15 cm (6 in) wide and deep, with up to 25 per cent grit. Once they have several leaves, a 7.5 cm (3 in) pot. | As in the north for the RHS. Umbria does not write a spacing. | In Campania, 50,000-80,000 plants per hectare, depending on what the crop is for. The distance between rows is set for mechanical weeding. A figure in centimetres, on the sheet, is not written. The crop lasts 3-4 years on average. |
It wants sun and soil that drains. Waterlogging, especially in winter, rots the roots.
March, April and May, May and June, about 20 °C (68 °F), 1-3 weeks, 20-30 cm (8-12 in), 30-60 cm (1-2 ft), a pot of 15 cm (6 in), 25 per cent grit and 7.5 cm (3 in) are from the RHS. May in a pot is from the herbs-in-containers page. Autumn or the end of winter, 50,000-80,000 plants per hectare and the 3-4 years are from Campania. Sicily has no oregano chapter. Umbria 2025 does not name it. Thyme, which wants the same conditions, is in when to plant thyme. The months are in the February calendar, March, April, May, June, September, October and November.
March, April and May
The RHS sows indoors in spring, and the calendar marks March, April and May. Scatter the seed on the surface of moist compost and do not cover it. It germinates well at about 20 °C (68 °F), within 1-3 weeks, somewhere warm and bright. Water without overdoing it: seedlings rot if they stay sodden. Once they have several leaves, one plant to a 7.5 cm (3 in) pot, in a soil-based compost.
Plant in May and June. Move the indoor ones in late spring or early summer, after the last frost, once they are hardened off. A bought plant can go in during other months, and it settles quickly if planted in late spring. On the herbs-in-containers page, oregano, mint, rosemary, thyme and sage are sown indoors, or outdoors in May in containers. The pot is in starting seeds indoors.
Campania, autumn or the end of winter
In Campania you can sow direct or transplant plants raised from seed. Transplanting gives a more even stand, and it goes in during autumn or at the end of winter, on ground prepared with no waterlogging. The density is 50,000-80,000 plants per hectare, depending on what the crop is for. The distance between rows follows mechanical weed control. A measurement in centimetres is not written.
It is a Mediterranean subshrub, and it does well in a warm climate with little rain. The crop lasts 3-4 years on average. It can last longer, and then the yields drop. In cultivation the white-flowered oregano is the one mostly used, for the dried product cut in flower. For fresh leaves, the pink-flowered types are used too. Sicily has no oregano chapter. Umbria, in 2025, does not name it. Rosemary, on the same Campania date, is in when to plant rosemary.
Dry, and a permanent corner
Plant in the sun, in soil that drains. If the ground is heavy and stays wet in winter, the RHS puts it in a raised bed or a pot. In the ground, at least 20-30 cm (8-12 in) apart, at the same depth as before. In a pot, one young plant in at least 15 cm (6 in) wide and deep, with up to 25 per cent grit. Once settled, in the ground it barely needs water. A pot does, in hot, dry spells, without leaving the compost sodden. In winter move the pot out of the rain, because the roots rot. The pot is in the container garden.
Divide in spring, or just after flowering, in late summer or early autumn. Take softwood cuttings in summer. Layer in spring or autumn. Trim in late spring, and cut off the faded flower stems. Pick the leaves from late spring to autumn: the flavour is best before the flowers open. In crop rotation perennials stay outside the plan, in a permanent corner. Oregano is one of those.
In the app
Every plant in the catalogue has its own sowing calendar, and weather alerts for your area help you judge whether to sow now or hold off.
Frequently asked questions
When do I sow in the north?
Indoors in March, April and May, on the surface, at about 20 °C. Up in 1-3 weeks. Plant in May and June, after the last frost. In a pot, the RHS also sows it outdoors in May.
What date does Campania write?
Autumn or the end of winter, for the transplant. Direct sowing is also written. Density 50,000-80,000 plants per hectare. Average life 3-4 years. A spacing in centimetres is not written. A warm climate with little rain.
What about Sicily and Umbria?
No date. Sicily has no oregano chapter. Umbria 2025 does not name it. The RHS months, March to June, and the packet, still apply.
How far apart, and in a pot?
The RHS: at least 20-30 cm. The plant reaches 30-60 cm. In a pot, one in at least 15 cm wide and deep, with up to 25 per cent grit. In Campania, 50,000-80,000 plants per hectare, and a spacing in centimetres is not written.
Do I replant it every year?
No. In Campania it lasts 3-4 years on average. The RHS treats it as a perennial, and renews it from cuttings, by division or by layering. It stays outside the rotation of annual vegetables.