74days to harvest
7-14days to germinate
Z10–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Start from seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or from cuttings and divisions. Transplant after soil warms.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
Low to moderate, drought tolerant
Soil
Well-drained, lean to moderately fertile soil
Soil pH
6.0-8.0
Spacing
8-12 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Deep green leaves with white flowers
Size
2-3"
Shape
Low spreading habit with small oval leaves
Flavour
Intensely aromatic, warm, slightly bitter with pine notes

In the kitchen

Pizza, pasta sauces, Mediterranean dishes, herb blends, dried for seasoning

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Spider mites, aphids, leafminers
Diseases
Root rot, mint rust, powdery mildew in humid conditions
Resistance
Good resistance to most diseases with proper drainage

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
5March – AprilMay – June—June – October
6March – AprilMay – June—June – November
7February – MarchApril – June—June – November
8February – MarchApril – May—May – December
9January – FebruaryMarch – April—April – December
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

TomatoesOregano repels tomato hornworms and aphids while enhancing tomato flavor
BasilBoth herbs thrive in similar conditions and basil deters pests that affect oregano
PeppersOregano's strong scent deters aphids, spider mites, and other pests that attack peppers
CabbageOregano repels cabbage moths and other brassica pests
CucumberOregano helps deter cucumber beetles and ants
BeansOregano repels bean beetles and aphids while beans fix nitrogen in soil
RosemaryCompatible growing conditions and combined aromatic oils enhance pest deterrence
MarigoldsMarigolds repel nematodes and aphids, complementing oregano's pest control properties

Avoid

Black WalnutProduces juglone which is toxic to oregano and inhibits growth
MintAggressive spreader that competes for space and nutrients, can overtake oregano
SageMay inhibit oregano's growth through allelopathic compounds and competition for resources

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
265
Protein (g)
9
Fat (g)
4.28
Carbohydrate (g)
68.9
Fibre (g)
42.5
Sugars (g)
4.09
Vitamin A (µg)
85
Vitamin C (mg)
2.3
Vitamin E (mg)
18.3
Vitamin K (µg)
622
Vitamin B6 (mg)
1.04
Folate (µg)
237
Calcium (mg)
1600
Iron (mg)
36.8
Magnesium (mg)
270
Phosphorus (mg)
148
Potassium (mg)
1260
Zinc (mg)
2.69
Selenium (µg)
4.5

Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Italian Large Leaf Oregano?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Italian Large Leaf Oregano suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs