Italian Oregano

Italian Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a key herb for Italian, Greek, and Mexican cooking, with flavorful leaves for fresh or dried use. This attractive, shrub-like perennial can be divided and planted around the garden for natural pest control and attracts honeybees and pollinators when it flowers.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Origanum vulgare
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO perennial
• Habit: Shrub-like, easily divided
• Use: Fresh or dried culinary herb
• Hardiness: Zones 5 to 9
• Sun: Full sun

Best for

• Italian, Greek, and Mexican dishes
• Drying for the pantry
• Pollinator-friendly herb gardens
• Natural pest control plantings

How to grow

Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. Oregano thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is drought tolerant once established. Hardy in zones 5 to 9, divide established clumps to spread it around the garden, and harvest leaves regularly.

Flavor profile

Warm, peppery, and aromatic, intensifying when dried.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a family-run, Michigan-based seed company offering a huge selection of affordable heirloom and non-GMO seeds. Their mission is to make gardening simple, accessible, and budget-friendly for everyone.