Oregano: The Pizza Herb That Gets Better Every Year
Oregano is a perennial herb that thrives in dry, sunny conditions. Flavor intensifies with age. The essential herb for Italian and Greek cooking.
Oregano is Mediterranean — sun, dry soil, and patience. The flavor gets stronger every year.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to sprout | 7-14 |
| Days to harvest | 60-90 |
| Sun | 6-8 hours |
| Spacing | 12 inches |
| Lifespan | Perennial (5+ years) |
| Flavor | Earthy, slightly bitter |
Why Grow It
- Perennial. Comes back for years.
- Flavor improves. Older plants taste better.
- Drought-tolerant. Thrives in dry conditions.
- Dual-use. Fresh or dried.
How It Fails
Failure 1: Overwatering. Root rot. Failure 2: Poor drainage. Needs sandy soil. Failure 3: Not enough sun. Weak flavor.
Comparison
| Variety | Flavor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greek | Strong, peppery | Best for cooking |
| Italian | Milder | Classic |
| Mexican | Different species | Stronger, herbal |
| Golden | Mild | Ornamental |
Common Questions
Why is my oregano not flavorful? Not enough sun, or too young. Flavor develops with age.
Does it come back every year? Yes. Perennial.
How do I harvest? Snip stems before flowering. Best flavor.
Fresh or dried — which is better? Dried is more concentrated. Both work.
Can I grow it indoors? Yes. 6-8 hours of light.
How do I divide it? Every 2-3 years in spring.