Oregano is a resilient Mediterranean herb prized for its robust flavor and adaptability. This perennial plant is exceptionally easy to multiply using several straightforward techniques. You can expand your oregano stock by taking stem segments, dividing a mature plant, or starting from seed. These methods offer flexibility based on your needs and resources.
Starting New Plants from Stem Cuttings
Propagating oregano from stem cuttings is a form of asexual reproduction that guarantees the new plant will be genetically identical to the parent, preserving the exact flavor profile. The process is most successful using soft, actively growing, non-flowering stem tips. Select a healthy stem and use a clean, sharp blade to take a cutting 3 to 5 inches long. Make the cut just below a leaf node, as this is the primary site for new root development.
Strip away the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem to prevent rotting and fungal issues. The prepared cutting can be rooted in two primary ways: in a glass of water or directly in a sterile, well-draining medium. If using water, place the cutting in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to maintain oxygen levels. For soil rooting, insert the cutting into moist potting soil or a blend of peat and perlite/vermiculite, ensuring the nodes are covered.
A rooting hormone powder or gel can be applied to the cut end before planting in soil, which often accelerates the development of new roots. Keep the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light to encourage root growth. Roots typically begin to appear within a few weeks. Once they are about one to two inches long, the new plant is ready to be transplanted into its permanent container or garden spot.
Increasing Stock by Dividing Mature Plants
Division is an effective asexual propagation method best suited for rejuvenating older oregano clumps that have become woody or less productive in the center. This technique rapidly multiplies stock by physically separating the root ball into smaller, viable sections. The best time for division is in the early spring before new growth begins or in the early fall after the summer heat has passed.
Begin by cutting back the old, top-heavy stems before carefully lifting the entire plant, including the root ball, out of the ground using a spade or garden fork. Use your hands or a clean, sharp tool to separate the mass into smaller pieces, ensuring each new section retains a healthy portion of both stems and roots. For very dense root balls, inserting two garden forks back-to-back and levering them apart can cleanly split the plant.
Discard the old, woody central section and prioritize replanting the younger, more vigorous sections from the outer edges of the clump. Replant these divisions immediately into prepared soil at the same depth they were previously growing, firming the soil gently around the roots. Watering the new divisions thoroughly minimizes transplant shock and encourages quick establishment.
Growing Oregano from Seed
Starting oregano from seed is a sexual propagation method used to grow a large number of plants or introduce a new variety. Seeds from hybrid varieties may not grow “true to type,” meaning the resulting plant may differ genetically from the parent. Oregano seeds are tiny and require light for successful germination, making proper sowing depth important.
Sow the seeds directly onto the surface of a well-draining seed-starting mix and lightly press them into the medium to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Avoid covering the seeds with more than a thin dusting of soil, or none at all, due to their light requirement. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 65° to 70°F (18° to 21°C). Keep the medium evenly moist until the seedlings emerge, which typically occurs within seven to fourteen days.
Place the containers in a location receiving bright light, such as a sunny windowsill or under supplemental grow lights. Once the seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, thin them to allow the strongest plants sufficient space. Starting seeds indoors eight to ten weeks before the last expected frost date allows the seedlings to develop a robust root system before transplanting outdoors.