When to Plant Oregano
Set out young oregano plants from 1 week before to 2 weeks after your last frost.
Oregano at a glance
- Plant out
- from 1 week before to 2 weeks after your last frost
- Time to harvest
- 45 to 60 days from planting out
- Harvest lasts
- about 20 weeks
- Spacing
- 1 plant per square foot
- Frost
- Takes hard frosts
- Comes back
- Every year, as a perennial
Growing oregano
Oregano is an easy perennial for sun and well-drained soil. Greek oregano has the strongest flavor. Grow it from young plants or divisions, and trim it to keep it bushy.
Dates by hardiness zone
Typical dates for each zone; your ZIP code gives your own.
| Zone | Plant out | Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | May 21 – Jun 11 | Jul 5 – Oct 26 |
| Zone 3b | May 10–31 | Jun 24 – Nov 6 |
| Zone 4a | May 5–26 | Jun 19 – Nov 6 |
| Zone 4b | May 1–22 | Jun 15 – Nov 2 |
| Zone 5a | Apr 26 – May 17 | Jun 10 – Oct 28 |
| Zone 5b | Apr 24 – May 15 | Jun 8 – Oct 26 |
| Zone 6a | Apr 22 – May 13 | Jun 6 – Oct 24 |
| Zone 6b | Apr 16 – May 7 | May 31 – Oct 18 |
| Zone 7a | Apr 9–30 | May 24 – Oct 11 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 29 – Apr 19 | May 13 – Sep 30 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 22 – Apr 12 | May 6 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 8b | Mar 10–31 | Apr 24 – Sep 11 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 23 – Mar 16 | Apr 9 – Aug 27 |
| Zone 9b | Jan 25 – Feb 15 | Mar 11 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 17 – Feb 7 | Mar 3 – Jul 21 |
| Zones 10b–11b | Frost is rare here, so plant oregano in the cooler months and let the roots settle before summer heat. | |
Good neighbors
Questions about oregano
Does oregano spread?
It grows into a wide clump and can seed itself. Trim it after flowering and divide large clumps every few years.
Is oregano the same as marjoram?
They are close relatives. Marjoram is milder and sweeter, and less hardy in cold winters.
