In its southern homeland, oregano forms large, fragrant cushions on sunny, poor meadows. If you give the plant a full sun and well-drained location in your home garden, the easy-care oregano will develop into an attractive, bushy-growing perennial.
How do I care for oregano properly?
For optimal care of oregano, you need a full sun, well-drained location, sparing watering with rainwater, occasional fertilization, regular clippings and winter protection. Be careful to avoid diseases and pests such as blight, wilt, leafhoppers or aphids.
Water requirements
Oregano prefers dry soil and does not like waterlogging. Therefore, provide the wild marjoram with water carefully and never water it too much. Whenever possible, use stale rainwater for watering, as it is low in lime and has more nutrients than tap water.
Fertilize sparingly
Oregano thrives in poor soils in its southern homeland and is very undemanding. Only fertilize the plant moderately during the growing season. It is sufficient to supply the oregano with commercial fertilizer every few weeks.
Repotting or moving
Oregano can also be easily cultivated in a pot on the balcony. While slow-growing oregano rarely needs to be repotted in the garden, oregano in a pot always needs a new planter when space is limited or the plant's position is unstable. Even if growth noticeably slows down, you should move the oregano.
Oregano blend
After the winter break, shorten the branch tips by about three centimeters. This stimulates rapid budding and promotes compact growth.
During the summer months you should regularly shorten the vigorous plant. The aromatic content is highest during the flowering period. At this point, cut the plant above the branching of the flowers. After flowering, you can cut the plant back to just above the ground.
Diseases and pests
Oregano is very robust and is rarely attacked by diseases and pests. If the plant is too moist, rot and wilting can occur.
Pests encountered:
- Occasionally cicadas can be found on the front of the leaves. Since these can cause lasting damage to oregano and other plants, they should be combated with yellow tablets.
- You can counteract aphid infestations by rinsing off the pests. Natural predators such as ladybirds or earwigs support you in the fight against lice. In order not to harm these beneficial insects, you should only fight aphids using natural means. Spraying with detergent solution or nettle decoction has proven successful.
Provide winter protection
Oregano is a survivor and can cope with extreme cold in the cold season. However, how frost hardy the plant is depends on the variety. Therefore, apply winter protection made of brushwood or fleece as early as the first ground frosts.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to cultivate the plant in the long term, you should use oregano shrubs from garden shops. Plants available in the supermarket are grown for direct consumption in a very short time and are not sufficiently hardened.
