Oregano

Basic Information

Seed Number

47

Seed Name

Oregano

Variety

Greek

Category

Herb

Plant Family

Lamiaceae

Plant Type

Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Feb 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

February, March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Feb 24 – Mar 10

Direct Sow

May 5 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 5 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

10 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

7–14 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

65-70°F

Planting Depth

Surface sow; do not cover

Plant Spacing

12 in

Row Spacing

18-24 in

Thin-To Spacing

12 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Water during establishment; established plants prefer moderately dry conditions

Soil Preference

Well-drained, sandy or lean soil; overly rich soil can reduce pungent flavor

Minimum Container Size

1-2 gal

Plant Height

8-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

Yes

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Start indoors or transplant preferred
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 1 – Jun 15
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 80–90 days
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary/medicinal tradition
Succession / Reusable Notes: Spreads over time; container is useful.
Zone 6B Notes: Perennial herb with good drainage.
Companion Plants: Peppers, tomatoes, squash, beans, cucumbers, grapes, roses
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Overly wet soil
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Greek oregano is hardy in Zones 4-9 and perennial in Zone 6B. Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the May 5 frost date or direct sow in spring.
Germination: Tiny seed should be pressed onto the growing medium without covering because light aids germination.
Harvest: Harvest stems as plants begin to flower, cutting approximately 2 inches above the base. Established plants can be harvested repeatedly during the season.
Seed Saving: Allow flower heads to dry fully before collecting seed. Other oregano plants nearby may cross.
Special Care: Lean, well-drained soil helps maintain stronger aroma and flavor. Plants can be divided when mature.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/herbs/oregano/greek-oregano-herb-seed-930.html — true Greek oregano identity, beneficial-insect value and culinary characteristics
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/herbs/oregano/oregano-greek-key-growing-information.html — spacing, height, Zones 4-9, soil, light and harvest guidance
Research Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/origanum-vulgare-subsp-hirtum/ — Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum identity and perennial habit
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]