Oregano Vulgare

(2 customer reviews)

$4.49

Origanum Vulgare

  • Seed Count 2000
  • Makes An Aromatic Ground Cover
  • Perennial

In stock

Description

Oregano Vulgare is one of those unassuming plants that quietly earns its place in gardens and kitchens alike. A perennial herb native to the Mediterranean, it’s a rugged, resilient species that thrives in Australia’s diverse climates, from the dry heat of the outback to the cooler, coastal regions.

What makes Oregano Vulgare particularly appealing is its adaptability. Once established, it shrugs off drought, poor soil, and neglect and it’s unfazed by sandy soils common in coastal areas and thrives in the well-drained conditions of raised beds or containers. While it appreciates a sunny spot, it won’t sulk in partial shade, though its essential oils, and thus its flavour, are most concentrated when grown in full sun.

Botanically speaking, oregano is a member of the mint family, though it lacks the aggressive spreading habit of its relatives. Instead, it forms tidy clumps of small, oval leaves with a slightly fuzzy texture, ranging in colour from deep green to silvery-grey and in summer, it sends up delicate spikes of tiny pink or white flowers that hum with bees and other pollinators.

In the kitchen, Oregano Vulgare is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, but its appeal stretches far beyond pizza and pasta with its fresh leaves adding a zesty, slightly bitter kick to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews. Dried, the flavour intensifies, becoming richer and more complex, making it a pantry essential for preserving and it’s particularly well-suited to lamb where its pungency cuts through the meat’s richness.

Beyond the plate, Oregano has a rich history as a herbal remedy. Ancient Greeks and Romans revered it for its purported healing properties, and modern herbalists still value it for its high concentrations of antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds, and essential oils like thymol and carvacrol.

Find your Climate Zone

Method: Sow direct or seedlings
Soil Temp: 18°C - 25°C

Cool Mountain: Oct - Mar
Position: Full sun
Arid: Sep - Mar

Row Spacing: 15cm apart
Temperate: Sep - May
Planting Depth: 5mm
Sub Tropical: Aug - May
Harvest: 95 days
Tropical: May - Aug

Plant Height: 15cm

Climate & Timing 

Oregano thrives in warm, sunny climates but adapts to most Australian regions. 

  • Cool regions: Sow in spring after frost risk (Sept–Nov). 
  • Warm/tropical regions: Avoid extreme heat; plant in early spring or autumn. 

Soil Preparation 

Soil type:

  • Well draining, slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.5–7.0).
  • Enrich with compost or aged manure for drainage. 

Containers:

  • Use pots greater than 30cm wide with quality potting mix. 

Sowing Seeds 

Depth:

  • 2mm surface sow, light aids germination. 

Spacing:

  • Thin seedlings to 30 – 50cm apart. 

Germination:

  • 7 – 14 days at 18–25°C.
  • Keep soil moist but not soggy. 

Care & Maintenance 

Sunlight:

  • 6–8 hours daily.
  • Partial shade in hot climates. 

Watering:

  • Let soil dry between waterings; avoid waterlogging. 

Fertiliser:

  • Minimal needs.
  • Apply balanced liquid feed monthly if growth stalls. 

Pruning:

Pinch tips to encourage bushiness.

Cut back after flowering. 

Harvesting 

  • Begin harvesting leaves 6–8 weeks after planting.
  • Snip stems before flowering for peak flavour. 
  • Dry leaves by hanging stems upside down in a warm, dark place. 

Companion Planting Guide 

Oregano’s strong scent repels pests and attracts pollinators.

Best Companions: 

  • Tomatoes, Capsicum & Chilli: Repels aphids, spider mites, and cabbage moths. 
  • Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower): Deters cabbage worms and beetles. 
  • Grapes: Protects against pests like grapevine moth. 
  • Lavender & Thyme: Shared sun/soil preferences; enhances pest resistance. 

Avoid Planting With: 

  • Cucumbers & Zucchini: Competes for nutrients and moisture. 
  • Potatoes: Prefers acidic soil (oregano thrives in neutral/alkaline). 
  • Mint: Invasive roots overwhelm oregano. 

Seed Saving Guide 

Selecting Plants 

  • Choose healthy plants for seeds. 

Harvesting Seeds 

  • Allow flowers to mature and turn brown usually late summer.
  • Cut seed heads and dry in a paper bag. 
  • Shake dried heads to release tiny seeds.
  • Sieve to remove chaff. 

Storage 

  • Store seeds in airtight containers (e.g., glass jars) in a cool, dark place.
  • Label with date and variety. 

 Viability:

  • 2–3 years if stored properly. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

 Pests:

  • Aphids and spider mites – spray with soapy water or neem oil. 

 Diseases:

  • Root rot from overwatering – ensure good drainage. 

 Leggy Growth:

  • Insufficient sunlight – relocate to a sunnier spot. 

Regional Tips for Australia 

 Tropical Zones:

  • Mulch to retain moisture and improve airflow. 

 Cool Zones:

  • Mulch heavily in winter to protect roots. 

2 reviews for Oregano Vulgare

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    Michelle
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    Leah au
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Postage Charge

Orders under $30 attract a $4.95 shipping charge. Orders $30 and above have free shipping.

Order Times

Seed orders are normally dispatched within three business days. You will receive an email when seeds are mailed out.

Postage Days

Seeds are mailed out Monday to Friday at 1pm. Except for the Friday of long weekends.

Postage Times

WA 2-3 Days: SA,NT 3-5 Days: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC: 5-7 Days

Carrier

We use Australia Post Letter Postage for the majority of orders

Not only are our seeds packed in recycled paper envelopes, we keep the theme going when we post out website orders. To protect your seeds from moisture and the letter box munchers (snails), we use a very special plastic free material made from plants. They are then put into recycled mailing envelopes. Green all the way 💚🌿