Wild marjoram

Origanum vulgare

Also known as Common oregano, Origanum floridum, Oregano, Thymus origanum

Zones 4–10Sun Full SunWater ModerateCare Low

Indoor Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Native Plants · Oregano · Herb · Culinary · Medicinal · Perennial · Aromatic · Kitchen · Cooking · Hardy · Edible

Pet-safeBeginner-friendlyIndoorMedicinalAttracts pollinators

In stock at 3 nurseriesStock updated 9/10/2026

Wild marjoram (oregano) is an easy-care herb that thrives in well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and pinch flowers to encourage leaf production for culinary use. This hardy perennial self-seeds readily and provides fresh herbs throughout the growing season.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 6 hours
Watering: Water thoroughly until drainage occurs, allow top inch to dry · Every 5-7 days
Maintenance: Low
Soil: loam
Soil pH: 7–7.5
Temperature: -30°F to 95°F
Cycle: Perennial
Propagation: Seed

Hardiness

USDA 4a-10b

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Your zone

Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Mature height: 2 ft – 5 ft
Spread: 2 ft
Spacing: 12 in apart
Growth rate: Moderate
Root depth: Medium
Flowers: No
Foliage: Medium

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Arkansas, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, California, Canary Is., Central European Rus, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies

Sources: trefle, usda