Origanum vulgare is one of the easiest perennial herbs to establish in a home garden, but there is a significant gap between growing oregano that survives and growing oregano that has culinary value. The common strain sold at most garden centers — often labeled as "wild oregano" or generic O. vulgare — has low essential oil content and near-absent flavor in cooking. The varieties worth growing for culinary use are specifically the Greek and Italian types.
I don't grow oregano at the Long Island plot — the guidance below is drawn from university Extension sources and cultivar trial data.
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Quick Facts
Attribute
Detail
Scientific name
Origanum vulgare
Plant type
Herbaceous perennial; evergreen in mild climates
USDA zones
4–10
Cold tolerance
Hardy to -30°F in zone 4; dies back and regrows in zones 4–6
Light
Full sun, 6–8 hours minimum
Soil pH
6.0–8.0
Water
Drought-tolerant once established
Mature size
12–24 inches tall, 18–24 inches wide
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