Oregano is the kitchen garden's Italian summer card: a hardy perennial that smells strongest in sunshine and self-seeds politely, returning year after year.
Origin and natural habitat
Origanum vulgare grows wild from the Mediterranean to Sweden, where it persists on lime-rich slopes and meadows. Greek oregano (subsp. hirtum) has the strongest flavour.
Care
Light
Full sun — that is where the aromatic oils develop. Indoors: a bright, warm window.
Watering
Let the soil dry between waterings. Oregano is a Mediterranean herb and needs little — better too dry than too wet.
Soil and feeding
Lean, sandy, chalky soil. Feed sparingly — fertiliser gives size but weak flavour. Harvest leaves before flowering; then let it bloom for the bees.
Common problems
Rot and yellow leaves mean overwatering. Fungal spots in a rainy summer — thin the growth. Weak scent comes from shade or overfeeding.
Good to know
"Oregano" means "joy of the mountain" in Greek. Wild Swedish stands on Öland and Gotland are landscape-level protected. Safe for cats and dogs.
