Italian oregano is a popular herb used in cooking. Its zesty, peppery flavor is often found in Mediterranean food. But a lot of home gardeners are curious: is this famous pizza herb really a perennial that grows back every year? Let’s find out.
What is Italian Oregano?
Italian oregano specifically refers to a flavorful culinary variety of the oregano plant called Origanum vulgare hirtum. It is highly valued for the robust, spicy kick it gives to Mediterranean recipes
Other common names for this oregano include Greek oregano true oregano, and European oregano. It has rounded leaves with a very distinctive pungent earthy taste and scent. The white flowers bloom in mid-summer.
This oregano variety is considered the “true” cooking oregano, preferred for its intense flavor over milder ornamental oreganos. It’s a must-have for pizzas, pastas, tomato sauces, grilled meats, and Greek dishes.
The Perennial Question
So, is Italian oregano a perennial herb? The short answer is yes, it is often grown that way in climates that are right for it. However, there’s more nuance to the story.
Here’s a closer look at Italian oregano’s perennial status:
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In zones 5-10, it grows reliably as a perennial, returning reliably every year. The keys are well-drained soil and full sun.
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People who live in zones 3–4 with very cold winters usually grow it as an annual that needs to be replanted every spring.
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Even in colder zones, established plants may survive winters if heavily mulched to insulate roots.
Growing as a Perennial
Where winters are mild, Italian oregano grows well for years as a perennial that doesn’t need much care. Here are some tips:
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Plant in well-drained soil enriched with compost or manure. Good drainage prevents fungal diseases.
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Ensure a site with at least 6 hours of direct sun for vigorous growth.
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Space plants 12-18 inches apart. They reach 12-24 inches tall and wide at maturity.
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After new growth appears in spring, prune lightly to shape plants and improve density.
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Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Don’t let it stay wet.
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Fertilize in early spring and again midsummer if growth is weak.
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Mulch around plants in fall to insulate roots from extreme cold in zones 5-6.
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Every 2-3 years, dig up mature plants in spring and divide them to rejuvenate growth. Replant divisions 12 inches apart.
Growing as an Annual
Where winters get bitterly cold below zero, it’s best to grow Italian oregano as a fast-growing annual:
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost. Harden off seedlings, then transplant them outside after danger of frost has passed.
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Choose a spot with full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Enrich soil with organic material.
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Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 15-18 inches apart.
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Pinch back tips regularly to make plants bushier.
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Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Avoid wetting foliage.
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Fertilize monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer once established.
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Harvest leaves before first fall frost. Uproot spent plants and compost them.
Caring for Potted Plants
Italian oregano also thrives in containers:
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Select a pot at least 10-12 inches wide with drainage holes. Use quality potting mix.
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Place in full sun. Move pots to a sheltered spot for winter if bringing indoors.
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Water when soil surface is dry. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
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Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season.
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Prune frequently to keep compact. Pruning stimulates abundant leaf growth.
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Move indoor pots near a sunny window in winter. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Oregano Uses
Here are some delicious ways to use the flavorful leaves of Italian oregano:
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Fresh or dried in pasta sauce, pizza, bruschetta
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Mixed into olive oil for dipping bread
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Sprinkled on vegetables, meat, fish before grilling
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Part of a Greek salad dressing
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In herbed salt, spice rubs
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Steeped in vinegar for flavorful marinade
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Added to omelets, meatloaf, mashed potatoes
The Takeaway
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I believe it is worth your money to buy a small oregano plant from a nearby nursery since it will last for many years in your garden. It’s the fastest and easiest way to start, and after just a couple of harvests, you’ll get your money back.
Oregano is easily propagated as a cutting from another healthy, established plant. You can root cuttings in water, soil, or sand.
Oregano is a low-maintenance and prolific herb. In other words, its pretty hard to kill. Its drought-tolerant once its established in your garden (think of that dry Greek hillside). It really just needs a minimum of care and attention.
Oregano is so prolific that your main task will be keeping it in check. Begin pruning the leaves regularly once your plant is about 4 inches tall. (And, obviously, enjoy these leaves that you prune. ) With a plant like oregano, the more you prune, the more itll grow! Make sure to prune any damaged or discolored leaves.
Dont be afraid to prune oregano heavily by cutting the base of the stems to keep oregano from growing toward the interior of your container or raised bed. Pruning this way (cutting older stems all the way down at their base, instead of cutting the tips of the plant) is also how you keep oregano from getting too woody. Work your way around the entire plant. This type of pruning is great to do every few weeks, especially during the warmest months when your plant is growing fastest.
If your plant has spread out too much, use a spade or hori hori knife to divide it. Now you have a new oregano plant to grow elsewhere!.
The best way to make oregano feel like its at home in your garden is to water less. Generally, a little water once a week is all you need to keep your plant thriving. Youre far more likely to overwater this herb than underwater. Unless you see oregano leaves shriveling or turning brown, your plants are watered.
If youre growing your oregano on the edge of a raised bed or container, the herb will receive enough water as you care for your other kitchen garden plants. The soil dries out faster on the edges, which gives your oregano less time to sit in too much water. If youre growing your oregano in a pot, soak the soil until you see water run out through the drainage hole. Then allow the soil to dry out before you water again.
When you do water oregano, focus on the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves.
A sure sign that youve overwatered your oregano is when you see the leaves begin to turn yellow or appear less crisp than normal. The goal is bright green leaves that hold their form even in the middle of the summer heat. Let the leaves tell you when your oregano needs water, and youll be well on your way to herb garden success. Shop Our Favorite Gardening Tools.
Perennial herbs set up in good soil dont really need much to keep them happy. I just add some compost and earthworm castings around my herbs every couple of months. If you think your oregano could use a little extra help, you could spray the leaves or add an organic fertilizer high in nitrogen while you water them.
Thanks to its strong scent, oregano isnt prone to pest problems. It can, however, get spider mites in hot, dry weather. If you see little spots on the leaves or notice webbing around the stems, give your plant a good spray with a mix of liquid castile soap and water. Also, keep the soil clear of dead leaves and debris, where pests can hide. Thats just good practice for your garden overall.
The Best Oregano Companion Plants
Oregano makes a wonderful companion to so many things you might want to grow in a vegetable garden. Its strong fragrance can actually repel pests like mosquitos, aphids, and cabbage worms. Try planting it near leafy greens like kale, arugula, cabbage, and lettuce.
If you let your oregano flower, itll also attract tons of beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to your garden.
ITALIAN OREGANO Growing Tips and Information! (Origanum x majoricum)
FAQ
Does Italian oregano come back every year?
Yes, Italian oregano is a perennial herb, meaning it will come back every year. In colder places, the plant may die back over the winter, but in the spring, it will grow back from its roots.
Does Italian oregano spread?
Yes, Italian oregano can spread, and it’s known to be a relatively vigorous spreader.
Is Italian oregano perennial?
Yes, Italian oregano (Origanum x majoricum) is a perennial herb. It’s a hybrid of oregano and marjoram and is known for its fragrant, edible leaves.
What should you not plant next to oregano?
Oregano and marjoram can cross and spoil each other as they are very similar plants. Plant them away from each other.
Is oregano a perennial?
Here’s what to know. oregano A perennial plant lives more than two years and repeats its reproduction cycle over and over again: grow, flower, produce seeds, repeat. Roses, coneflower, and bee balm are good examples of perennial plants.
Can you grow oregano in a garden?
Oregano is a must-have culinary herb to grow in a garden or container—as well as an attractive ground cover. Discover more about oregano, from growing information to culinary tips. This growing guide is about true oregano, called Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum). It’s a robust and flavorful herb with a peppery bite and a minty aroma.
What is Italian oregano?
Italian oregano specifically refers to a flavorful culinary variety of the oregano plant called Origanum vulgare hirtum. It is prized for the robust, peppery punch it brings to Mediterranean dishes. Other names for this oregano include Greek oregano, true oregano, and European oregano.
Is Italian oregano evergreen?
When you cut oregano back to a third of its size in late spring, you can make the plant bushier. In milder climates (zone 8 and southward), oregano is evergreen. In zone 7 and northward, protect plants with mulch through the winter, or cover them with a cold frame. How hardy is Italian oregano?.
How big does oregano grow?
This woody herb grows back every year and is about 1 to 2 feet tall with an open, loose style that’s at least 18 inches wide. It has pretty white flowers and gray-green leaves, but it’s the leaves that taste the best, not the flowers. Oregano is hardy to zone 4 plant, though some gardeners say it’s only hardy to zone 5.
Can Italian oregano survive winter?
Even in colder zones, established plants may survive winters if heavily mulched to insulate roots. Where winters are mild, Italian oregano thrives for years as a carefree, low-maintenance perennial. Here are some tips: Plant in well-drained soil enriched with compost or manure. Good drainage prevents fungal diseases.