Where Does Oregano Grow? [Full Guide]

Oregano is a popular herb that is used for many purposes today. However, it’s been around for many years and has been used for many other purposes, not just for cooking. In this article, we’ll first talk about what oregano is. Then, we’ll talk about the many uses of oregano. After, we’ll discuss where oregano originated from and where it can be found today. Once we know where it came from, we’ll talk about the type of soil it needs, how easy it is to care for an oregano plant, and how to get started growing oregano.  What helps, of course, is also know the best place to plant oregano, so we’ll also cover where does oregano grow best.

What Is Oregano?

Oregano is a perennial herb that’s part of the mint family. Every aspect of the plant is helpful somehow, and it’s an easy bush to grow and care for. 

This herb goes by a few other names, such as Spanish Thyme, Wild Marjoram, or European Oregano.

Overall, oregano is a plant that grows purple or pink edible flowers. However, most people use oregano for its leaves, a herb. It can also be used for medical purposes.

You can tell an oregano plant from other plants because it’s a green bush sprouting round-shaped leaves. These leaves can be harvested multiple times during the oregano bush’s lifespan. For instance, an oregano plant can last about five to six years as long as it’s cared for properly.

What Is Oregano Used For?

Oregano is used for many purposes and dishes. There are different varieties of oregano, such as Mexican, Greek, and Spanish oregano.

This herb is often used on pizza and pizza sauce, but it can be added in many other dishes.

Its leaves can be harvested and used fresh or dried out. This herb can be used within recipes to add a savory flavor to many dishes. Alternatively, the fresh leaves can be used as a garnish.

Oregano is a popular herb used in many Italian, Mexican, and Greek dishes. Also, it’s gluten-free and vegan.

In addition, back in the middle ages, oregano herbs were used as medicine. To relieve toothaches, coughing, indigestion, and other ailments, people would chew the oregano leaves.

It was believed that the oregano leaves helped with fevers, vomiting, and upset stomachs in China. 

Oregano
Oregano

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Where Does Oregano Originate?

Believe it or not, oregano originated from Greece. It was (and still is) used in many Greek dishes. Then, the oregano plant was spread across Europe and the United States.

When the herb was used as medicine, oregano eventually made its way to China.

However, it wasn’t until after World War II that oregano came back to the United States. It was found in Italy and brought back to the states during the war. 

Where Does Oregano Grow Today?

So, where is oregano grown today?

Today, oregano can be found in the same areas it originated from. It’s often found on hills and mountains in mild climates.

This herb is native to Mediterranian countries. Also, it grows in western Asia and parts of Mexico and the United States.

Typically, oregano grows alongside mountains and hillsides. 

Oregano can be found in areas with mild climates as it’s an evergreen shrub. Oregano is easy to care for, but they have specific needs to grow and thrive.

On the other hand, you can also find oregano in your local grocery store all year round. 

What Soil Conditions Does Oregano Need?

Oregano likes mild climates and doesn’t need too much water. In addition, it needs full sun at least six to eight hours a day.

A soil that’s sandy or loamy in texture is an ideal choice for oregano. That type of soil will drain the water well enough that your oregano can drink, but it won’t be soaked.

You won’t need to worry about watering the oregano and its soil until the soil is nearly bone dry. Even then, you don’t need to overwater it. Your oregano will only want a little drink.

In addition to getting the suitable soil to help your oregano grow, you need enough of it to allow the bush’s roots to dig deep.

Oregano can be grown in a container, but if in a garden and allowed to spread out, the oregano can dig its roots as deep as 14 inches.

In other words, you want to make sure that you have enough soil that your oregano can genuinely get comfortable in. Also, make sure it’s in a sunny spot so that the soil can dry out well when watered.

Is It Easy To Grow Your Own Oregano?

Oregano is an easy herb to grow once you know what it needs. For instance, research the growing conditions and needs of the bush before planting it.

You can plant it in your garden or indoors in a container, and your oregano will do just fine. However, you’ll want to map out where and when you want to plant your oregano as well.

Knowing when and where to begin planting this bush will help you care for your oregano. Thus, your oregano will thrive. 

So, how can you start growing oregano?

How To Get Started Growing Oregano

You can grow oregano from seeds or cuttings. For example, if you already have an oregano bush, you can use fresh cuttings to grow another bush. Alternatively, you can buy fresh oregano from the store and grow a bush from that.

Learn more about growing oregano from cuttings here.

Oregano is a hardy plant that can grow and adapt in many different spots. So, you can begin growing this bush indoors and keep it inside, or you can move it outside. Or you can grow it straight from your garden.

When planting oregano outside, be sure to do so after the last frost of the winter season. If you want to start planting earlier, you can begin your oregano inside. Then, when the last frost of the season occurs, you can move it outside.

In addition, make sure you have enough room for your oregano to grow in your garden. This bush can grow to be up to two feet tall and two feet wide. So, you don’t want the oregano to stunt the growth of the other plants or other plants running into your oregano and hurting its growth.

One of the best things to do is plant your oregano with companion plants.

Adding some of the best companion plants with your oregano will allow your oregano (and the other plants around it) to grow well.

For instance, they’ll help one another and it’ll be easier for you to manage all the plants in your garden.

You can learn about oregano companion planting here.

So, when planting your oregano, make sure to map out its spot and what other plants you want it to be near, such as companion plants and other plants that have similar soil and water needs.

Then, you can go about caring for your oregano plant and watch it grow and thrive. After a few weeks, you’ll be able to harvest its leaves and begin to use oregano in your dishes.

Final Words on Where does Oregano Grow Best

Overall, oregano is a tasty herb that can add good flavor to many different dishes. It grows in many different places and is a hardy plant. So, while it prefers mild climates, you can plant it where ever you like, as long as you’re able to care for it. The beginning of spring is the best time, but it can last through the winter with protection. 

Want to learn more? Find out how to grow oregano here and learn where to plant oregano here. You can also find all my guides to oregano here.

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