how to plant oregano indoors

Growing Conditions

Light: Oregano thrives under bright light, so a bright window with morning sun is perfect. ...
Water: Water regularly, but not excessively. ...
Temperature: Average. ...
Soil: Airy, light, fast-draining soil.
Fertilizer: Use liquid fertilizer, or supplement the soil with controlled-release pellets.

Where is the best place to plant oregano?

Oregano grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It will also grow in rocky soil, though. Native to the Mediterranean and Europe, oregano can thrive in areas with tough growing conditions. If you have swampy or heavy soil, plant oregano in a container or raised bed.

How do you plant oregano seeds indoors?

Seed starting indoors: Sow oregano indoors as early as 4 weeks before the average last frost date. Oregano seed takes 10 to 15 days to germinate; sow seed at 70°F for optimal germination. Seeds germinate best in the light; cover seeds with cheesecloth until seedlings begin to push up.

What is the best time to plant oregano?

Plant oregano in spring, once all chances of frost have passed. The long stems look great spilling over the edges of containers and also work well as a ground cover. Space oregano plants 8 to 10 inches apart in a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Does oregano need full sun?

Oregano loves the sun, so ensure that your placement has full, strong sun for strong flavor. ... Oregano can easily be started from seeds, though you can also use cuttings from an established plant. Plant the seeds/cuttings in well-drained soil anytime after the last spring frost. The soil should be around 70ºF.

How do you pick oregano so it keeps growing?

Use scissors or garden shears to remove stems from the plant. Cut back to just above a growth node or set of leaves. This will allow the plant to branch from the cut area and produce more flavorful leaves. Rinse the stems lightly if there is dust or mulch on them.

Should I soak oregano seeds before planting?

Planting Oregano

Plant: Soak seed overnight, and plant about 1/16 an inch deep. Transplant: Space plants about 18 inches apart after the last frost of the season. Soil and light: Transplant to a sunny spot that is well drained.

How long does oregano take to grow from seed?

Use bottom heat to achieve a constant soil temperature of 15°C (60°F) for best results. Germination occurs in 7 to 14 days. Oregano seeds are dust-like, so handle them with care. Prepare your containers or plug trays using sterilized seed starting mix, and water the soil.

How long does an oregano plant live?

Although oregano thrives in a warm climate, it is a hardy perennial that returns year after year, without much work. A couple of my oregano plants are almost 10 years old, and they have withstood many a snowstorm and still continue to produce healthy, vibrantly colored leaves.

How long does it take for herbs to grow from seed?

Many herbs take much longer to germinate and have lower germination rates than vegetables. Patience is essential when growing herbs! It is not unusual for seed to take two to four weeks to germinate, although some herbs are much faster. For most herbs, a germination temperature of 70°F is optimal.

Does Rosemary need full sun?

Most varieties grow best in well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil. The preferred soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. Rosemary should receive at least 6 hours of sun each day; it grows best in full sun. ... Rosemary can be raised in a pot or in a garden.

How do you germinate oregano seeds?

There's no need to cover oregano herb seeds with soil. Simply mist them with water and cover the seed tray or container with plastic. Place this in a sunny location such as a window to germinate. Oregano seeds usually germinate within about a week or so.

Should I let oregano flower?

As with most herbs, oregano leaves taste best before the plant flowers. The flowers should be pinched to keep the plants bushy and prevent it from bolting to seed. ... Cutting stems all the way back to the ground will encourage more stems from the base and a fuller plant.

What can I plant oregano with?

Oregano. In the garden: Good companion to all vegetables. Grows well with: Basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, thyme.

Can I grow oregano from cuttings?

Oregano is a relatively easy plant to start with. You can take stem cuttings 7-12 cm long from a healthy plant (with a sterilized knife), remove leaves from the bottom half and place the cuttings in water, so that the leaves are above the water. Place your containers in a well lit place, avoiding direct sunlight.

Why is my oregano dying?

The reasons for oregano dying are because the soil is too damp due to over watering or slow draining soil, a lack of sun, because of too much nitrogen in the soil or because your pot or container is too small for growing oregano. ... Oregano with black or brown leaves is likely suffering from root rot or a fungal disease.

Will Rosemary come back every year?

Rosemary is a wonderful herb. ... Either grow rosemary as an annual or bring it in about mid- to late-November and winter it over. If the plant is too big, make cuttings in late summer and winter over the much smaller cuttings instead of the mother plant.

What can I do with oregano leaves?

Here are some tips for adding it to food:

While cooking, sprinkle meat, chicken with oregano for flavor.
Use it in marinades or stuffings.
Chop and mix into bread or pizza dough for a herby flavor.
Add fresh oregano leaves to a salad.
Sprinkle onto slices of mozzarella cheese and tomato, and drizzle with olive oil.

Do you wash oregano before drying?

I like to just shake the oregano to remove any remaining dirt on it. If you bought the oregano and unsure if any chemicals were used, it's best to wash it to be safe. Gently run the oregano under cold running water and then pat dry. I recommend leaving the oregano on a towel overnight to make sure it's completely dry.

How do you cut and cook oregano?

Chopping rosemary, oregano, marjoram & thyme

Step 1: Run your fingers down the stalks, against the growth, to remove the leaves. Step 2: Place the leaves on a chopping board and use a large sharp knife to chop, coarsely or finely depending on the recipe.

How do you harvest oregano without killing the plant?

Using a pair of scissors or garden shears, cut back stems from the plant just above a growth node. This will allow your plant to grow a new branch of stems from the snipped area to produce more leaves for future harvest. Do not cut back more than ⅓ of the plant to avoid over pruning.