Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perennial herb that is exceptionally easy to grow and thrives under the same conditions as thyme. When growing oregano inside, you can use 6-inch pots, where it will assume a more trailing habit than is found on plants growing outdoors in the garden.
How do you keep oregano alive indoors?
Oregano needs quick-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole. Use non-organic soil or fertilizer if you want to keep your oregano USDA organic. Put it in a dark corner. Oregano needs bright, indirect light in order to thrive.
Is ornamental oregano an indoor plant?
Ornamental oregano is a perennial and will create a larger colony over time. In cooler regions, grow your oregano in a container and move it indoors when freezes are expected. Container plants benefit from some liquid fertilizer in spring but outdoor plants are generally fine with just a top dressing of compost.
Can you grow oregano indoors in winter?
These cool weather herbs do well indoors even in winter: chervil, chives, cilantro, dill, lemon balm, oregano, parsley, sage, sweet bay, and thyme. Growth will slow down when the temperatures are cooler.
Is ornamental oregano an annual?
Perfect for rock gardens and regions with well-drained soil and winters on the dry side, ornamental oregano is an attractive flowering perennial that’s easy to grow.
How often should you water oregano indoors?
Oregano prefers dry soil. Watering oregano 2–3 times per-week is typically sufficient. Water indoor oregano a bit more frequently, but avoid making the soil soggy.
How long do oregano plants live?
six years
Old woody branches that become leggy (more stem than leaf) should be cut out at the end of winter, and plants should be replaced every five years to prevent legginess. The lifespan of oregano is about five or six years, and usually, one harvest is done in the first year and two in the following years.
Does ornamental oregano need full sun?
Origanum laevigatum ‘Hopleys’ is grown for its attractive gray-green foliage and its profuse summer bloom of purplish-pink flowers. Both of these ornamental oreganos are pest-free and care-free if planted in well-drained soil and partial to full sun.
How big does ornamental oregano get?
Grows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm) and 12-14 in. wide (30-35 cm). Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils.
Is ornamental oregano poisonous?
Although Ornamental Oregano Kent Beauty can be eaten and some people even use the stems to make potpourri, we recommend keeping it away from pets. The herb is not very toxic, but it can cause digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
What is the best herb to grow indoors?
Basil, oregano, mint, chives, sage, rosemary, and thyme are the easiest herbs to grow indoors, whether you have them in the garden already or wish to plant them now.
Can you grow herbs indoors all year round?
Many cooks grow herbs indoors during the winter when it’s too cold outside or too wet to dig in the dirt, but you can grow herbs inside any time of year. Indoor herbs prefer the same temperatures that most people do—around 65 to 70 degrees F—so if you’re comfortable, they probably are.
How many hours of sunlight does oregano need?
Does oregano need sun or shade? Oregano needs sun to partial shade, with ideally 4-6 hours of direct sunlight. Its flavor will improve with more direct exposure. But partial shade during the afternoon in very warm climates can help prevent flowering for a bit longer.
How do you prune ornamental oregano?
Cut back the stems of the oregano plant using pruning shears to a height of 2 or 3 inches about six weeks after planting. If the oregano plant is regrowing from the previous year, wait six to eight weeks after the plant’s new growth begins in spring to prune it back.
How do you split ornamental oregano?
Dividing perennial herbs is simply done with a garden fork or shovel and a sharp knife. Just dig around the base of the plant and lever the root ball out from the soil. Grasp the clump and divide it with the sharp knife.
Can you cook with ornamental oregano?
This lovely plant is considered a perennial herb, but not really the culinary type of oregano. Greek oregano is the best culinary variety. Ornamental oregano can safely be used for cooking, just having a much milder flavor.
How do you make oregano bushy?
Pinch or trim the stems of oregano regularly to keep the plant bushy and tender. Oregano produces white blooms in summer. This oregano plant stretches tall just before blooming. Growing oregano in a container will help control it from spreading.
Why are my oregano leaves drooping?
Your oregano plant may wilt with too much water or too little. Keep in mind that a oregano plant that is wilting does not necessarily always need water. Sometimes oregano plants wilt when they have too much water. Always check the soil dryness to determine if you should give the oregano plant some water.
Is oregano still good if it flowers?
Oregano leaves taste best before the flowers bloom but the flowers are also edible and they’re great for attracting bees, butterflies and lots of other pollinating insects to your garden.
Should I cut back my oregano plant?
When growing oregano, it’s important to prune it, as this ensures that the plant thrives. During the spring and summer growing season, you’ll want to prune your oregano often to encourage new growth. Once the growing season is over, you’ll need to remove the dead flowers and stems.
How often should I water oregano?
Water. Oregano only needs about an inch of water per week and is tolerant of moderate drought. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot and other problems.