Last updated on September 23rd, 2022 at 03:41 pm
The key to the success of any flowering plant is planting it in the right place.
When a plant is cultivated in a favorable environment, it tends to grow well. Fertility of soil, type of soil, water, and sunlight are elements considered in cultivating flowering plants.
Some plants need partial sunlight, while others require full sunlight to be able to grow well. Of course, this is also applicable to shade. You should also know that some plants can adapt to several light levels.
But to achieve your aim of cultivation, you need to grow your plant in conditions that favor it best. And one plant that requires a lot of consideration regarding sunlight is Oregano.
So, does Oregano need full sun to grow? Oregano needs full sun to achieve the purpose for which you planted it. So any light level other than the full sun will not support the growth of Oregano.
How Much Sun Does Oregano Need?
Oregano prefers a hot, relatively dry climate to grow because it is a temperate and subtropical plant, so it needs ample sunlight to yield well.
The sunlight requirement of the Oregano plant ranges from 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
It needs this amount of sunlight because it is tolerant of drought and arid environments. And being a perennial crop, it is drought tolerant.
It is best suited in the Mediterranean region, which happens to be the native region of the Oregano plant.
This compatibility is possible because of the hot, dry summer climate feature of that region. Western Asia, parts of Mexico, and the United States have also naturalized Oregano.
Can Oregano Grow Without Sunlight?
All flowering plants need the sun to grow, provided it is a green plant. Though the amount of sunlight required to differ. Oregano definitely cannot succeed without sunlight.
No green plant can grow without light, just like humans cannot survive without food and water. So sunlight is a basic need, and without it, the plant will die and wither away.
Furthermore, sunlight is a critical factor in photosynthesis. Because without sunlight, oregano will not be able to manufacture the energy it needs to be productive.
And when this happens, you’ll notice that its leaves start turning yellow. Eventually, this could lead to the death of your plant.
Naturally, Oregano is a perennial crop and can be grown for over three to four years. But it is commonly grown as an annual crop in northern climates with little sunlight and yield that allows for just a few inches of the plant to be cut off at a time.
Its growth in several different regions confirms that some plants can adapt to several light levels ranging from full sun to partial sun and even shady environments.
But this tends to limit and reduce the productive ability of such plants.
For Oregano, the temperature needed to grow annually in northern climates should not fall below 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whenever a plant is cultivated in an unfavorable environment, the yield becomes relatively low.
It also shortens the life span of plants and makes the attractive feature of flowering plants dull to its agent of pollination. This condition is more familiar with insect-pollinated plants.
Oregano being an insect-pollinated flowering plant because of its nectar-rich flowers is also affected by this.
In addition, the fact that Oregano depends on the full sun to produce makes it more challenging to survive without sunlight.
Effects Of Sunlight On Oregano
All green plants get their nutrient is made possible by sunlight, and Oregano is not an exemption. The energy from the sun breaks down the molecules of carbon dioxide and water to make sugar.
The sugar produced is further broken down to form energy which Oregano then uses for growth and tissue repair.
The amount of sunlight that hits the Oregano plant determines to a far extent how strong the flavor of the plant would be. In other words, it intensifies the flavor.
It is best harvested and used during the sunny period to maintain its flavor and a taste reminiscent of thyme. Under this condition, the medicinal quality is also at its best.
You can as well dry the leaves under sunlight for more extended storage. Unfortunately, oregano does not support much water; it only appreciates about an inch of water per week. So It needs well-drained soil.
Sunlight has a considerable effect on Oregano’s growth as it helps keep the plant dry to avoid the lagging of water, which is unfavorable to the development of Oregano.
Not only does the sun aid transpiration, but it also helps in the evaporation of excess water from the soil. This removal of excess moisture will prevent your oregano roots from being drowned.
Can Oregano Be Planted Indoors?
Some plants are cultivated indoors for relatively some reasons, which are;
- The ease in taking care of them
- Climatic condition
- Aesthetic purposes etc.
When plants are cultivated indoors, you will be relieved of the stress of going into the field to check them out. The climatic condition of an area also influences the cultivation of plants indoors.
The climatic condition of an area might be too harsh to grow certain crops. In such environments, indoor planting can be employed to grow such crops. In addition, other plants are cultivated indoors to beautify the house.
Most of the plants cultivated for aesthetic purposes are flowering plants. For example, you can plant oregano indoors but with special care and conditions.
Conditions For Planting Oregano Indoors
For oregano to be planted indoors and yield well, certain conditions are required. These include;
1. Oregano seeds need to be planted in a pot of 1 foot (30.5cm) with a good drainage hole to prevent too much from the plant.
2. Oregano sometimes requires organic fertilizer.
3. Considering the climatic condition of an area, sow Oregano seeds four days before the average last frost day.
4. Ensure the indoor environment temperature you are to plant your Oregano is between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Ensuring your Oregano is exposed to light, so make sure it faces a window. A bright southern window is the perfect source of light for Oregano indoors.
You can also make use of a plant light as a substitute. When using a plant light, place the plant no closer than five (5) or six(6) inches, approximately 38cm.
These are the conditions to consider while planting Oregano indoors. Once it has grown 2 to 2.5 feet tall (61 to 76cm) and 2feet wide (61cm), it is now suitable to be taken outside.
Conclusion
Aside from the fact that all plants need sunlight to survive, Oregano needs more sunlight to maintain its unique flavor.
Furthermore, when growing the plant indoors, it would be best to place it where it can get adequate exposure to sunlight.
Oregano tends to produce abundantly with pleasantly scented leaves and flowers. However, it owes its productivity to sunlight which is the primary element in the success of Oregano.
So, Oregano is the right plant and, when cultivated under full sun, performs best.
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