Origanum vulgare

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) — a hardy, sun-loving perennial with warm, peppery leaves for Mediterranean cooking. Drought-tolerant and loved by bees.
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  • Oregano Rose Flowering seeds (Origanum vulgare) – perennial herb Oregano Rose Flowering (Origanum vulgare) – perennial herb seeds from SeedsChoice
    Oregano Seeds Origanum Vulgare Perennial Herb Rose Flowering
    €4,95

    Oregano for herb gardens and containers Oregano seeds are a classic choice for anyone looking to add a reliable, aromatic perennial herb to a kitchen plot, patio pot, or mixed border. Also known as wild...
  • Oregano seeds (Origanum vulgare) – perennial herb Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – perennial herb seeds from SeedsChoice
    Oregano Seeds Origanum Vulgare Perennial Herb
    €4,95

    Perennial oregano for kitchen and container gardens oregano seeds are a classic choice for gardeners who want a dependable, aromatic herb with a naturally compact habit. This perennial herb is known for its softly spicy...
  • Oregano seeds (Origanum vulgare) – organic perennial herb
    Oregano Seeds Organic Origanum Vulgare Perennial Herb
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    Organic oregano seeds for classic Mediterranean flavor Oregano seeds are a popular choice for gardeners who want a reliable, aromatic herb for everyday cooking. This organic herb variety is also known as perennial marjoram and...
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Origanum vulgare — oregano

Origanum vulgare, known as oregano or wild marjoram, is the warm, peppery herb at the heart of Mediterranean cooking — a hardy, sun-loving perennial that is as ornamental and bee-friendly as it is useful in the kitchen. It is the botanical heart of our oregano range within the culinary herb collection.

History & origin

Oregano is native to the Mediterranean and the warm hills of western Asia, where it grows wild on sunny, rocky slopes. The Greeks and Romans crowned bridal couples with garlands of it as a symbol of joy, and it has flavoured the food of Greece, Italy and beyond for thousands of years — think pizza, tomato sauces and grilled meats.

Its name captures that hillside home: it comes from the Greek oros (mountain) and ganos (joy or brightness) — the “joy of the mountain,” a lovely description of this fragrant wild herb.

Botanical characteristics

Oregano forms a bushy, spreading perennial 30–60 cm tall, with small, rounded aromatic leaves and clouds of tiny pink-purple flowers in summer that bees and butterflies flock to. Its warm, peppery pungency intensifies when the leaves are dried. Tough and drought-tolerant, it sits among our perennial herbs and our drought-tolerant herbs.

Growing Origanum vulgare from seed

Oregano seed is tiny and needs light to germinate, so sow on the surface and barely press it in, keeping it warm and bright. Sow in spring in trays or directly into well-drained soil, and give plants full sun for the most intense flavour. Once established it is wonderfully tough and drought-tolerant, thriving in poor soil and pots alike. Trim after flowering to keep growth fresh and compact. Our herb growing guide and herb sowing calendar cover timing and care in full.

Ready to grow oregano? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Oregano · Culinary Herbs · Perennial Herbs · Drought-Tolerant Herbs · All Herb Seeds

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What is Origanum vulgare?
It is the botanical name for oregano, also called wild marjoram — a hardy Mediterranean perennial with warm, peppery, aromatic leaves. How do I grow oregano from seed?
The seed is tiny and needs light, so sow on the surface and barely press it in. Sow in spring in well-drained soil and give it full sun. Does drying change the flavour?
Yes. Oregano's warm, peppery pungency actually intensifies when the leaves are dried, which is why dried oregano is so widely used. Is oregano good for pollinators?
Yes. Its summer clouds of tiny pink-purple flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies.