Growing Oregano in the UK
A semi-hardy perennial herb, which can reach between 1-2 feet in height once fully grown. Distinguished by its luscious, thick green leaves and purplish-pink flowers. Oregano is considered as an essential herb for Italian cooking, adding flavour to tomato sauces, soups, fish dishes, salad dressings, pizzas, meats, and spaghetti. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully sow and grow Welldales sweet oregano, ensuring a bountiful harvest that can be used fresh or dried.
How to Grow Oregano from Seed
- Soil and Location: Select a sunny location with well-drained soil to plant your Sweet Oregano. This herb thrives in warmth and requires full sunlight to develop its full flavour profile.
- Seed Sowing Advice: Sow indoors or in a propagator 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost to give them a head start. Cover the seeds lightly with 1/16 inch of fine soil, as they need warmth to germinate effectively. If sowing after this time, seeds can be planted directly outdoors during warmer months. Alternatively, start indoors behind glass at any time.
- Ideal Germination Conditions: The optimal temperature for germination is between 59°F and 68°F (15°C-20°C). Only lightly cover the seeds with a fine layer of soil, as they require both warmth and light to germinate.
- Seed Spacing and Planting Depth: Space the seedlings or direct-sown seeds about 12 to 18 inches apart, allowing each plant ample space to grow.
- Starting Indoors: Once the plants reach 1 to 2 inches in height, transfer them to individual pots and gradually acclimatize them to outdoor conditions before planting them out in their final location.
How to Care for & Harvest Oregano Plants
- Maintenance and Harvesting: Oregano is a fast-growing plant that can be harvested within 90 days from germination. Continual harvesting of leaves encourages new growth, keeping the plant compact and productive. For drying, pick leaves just before the flowers open and dry them in a warm, well-ventilated area. Once dry, pulverize the leaves and store them in airtight containers.
- Winter Care: Oregano is winter hardy with appropriate protection, such as mulch. Alternatively, pot up a plant to bring indoors over the winter months for continuous use.
