Last updated on September 23rd, 2022 at 02:08 pm
Oregano plants can be troublesome to raise in gardens with other plants as their roots spread very far.
As a result, it is more convenient to groom them in large containers to receive the right amount of sunlight.
Mints, on the other hand, are generally known to spread far and wide.
Therefore, cultivators may want to know if both of them spread at the same rate. So, what’s the truth then?
Does Oregano Spread Like Mint?
If left alone, oregano, like mint, can spread rapidly. In other words, they spread like them. Even as seedlings, they can germinate before they come in contact with the soil. As a result, they can spread and quickly establish dominance over your garden.
Do Oregano Plants Spread?
Oregano plants growing as seedlings is very easy. However, even cut from full-grown plants have perks of healthy and worthwhile growth.
Due to this, they can spread very quickly. The native nature of oregano makes it a tall plant.
That said, trimming them to two inches when they are still coming up will direct the herbs to spread out rather than going up.
Also, cutting or pinching the leaves will amount to a more buoyant spreading. Generally, all kinds of mint herbs spread, although in different forms.
Moreover, herb plants tend to be invasive in most cases unless controlled.
That said, the oregano plant takes an average of 80 days to grow and spreads up to 18 inches long under suitable soil and moisture condition.
Is Oregano Invasive Like Mint?
Oregano is invasive since its compartment belongs to the mint family. However, even though oregano spreads, it is not as invasive as mint.
Climatic changes primarily influence this. Like most herbs from the mint family, oregano can spread underground, accounting for its classification among underground runner herbs.
Oregano and mint are native to the type of roots called “rhizomes.”
Therefore, they can run very far lengths under the ground. Also, being accustomed to warm climatic conditions, they get boosted by mulching which is also impacted by hot weather.
Oregano seeds have no problem scattering over your garden and growing in places you least expect them to.
The wind may have transported them, but it doesn’t stop them from asserting dominance over areas you don’t want them.
As a result, growing among other plants means that with time, it will grow, spread, and clog up space for the other plants close to it.
However, you can control this invasive nature of oregano to foster a harmonious relationship with other plants.
Furthermore, observations have proven that oregano spread quite similarly as well. In several cases, oregano seeds have been found in several parts of the garden you didn’t plant them in. Nevertheless, mints are way more invasive.
They require being planted in containers to restrict their spread level and constant monitoring to prune their overextended roots.
How Quickly Does Oregano Spread?
Oregano spreads very fast. It takes about a week for its seeds to grow, between 1 to 2 feet tall, and to spread about 18 inches.
The plant also diminishes to a quarter of its initial state to allow its leaves to blossom in the closing of spring. That said, oregano is an enduring plant in warm and cozy climates.
For your oregano to spread beautifully, do away with withered stems before flowering begins. The plant looks perfect at the pass of winter with its long stems spreading over plant pots and containers.
Furthermore, It often takes about seven days for Oregon plants to germinate. After this period, the stems start elongating even up to a foot long, spreading the roots.
In addition, it takes an average of ten to twelve weeks for the roots to fully spread under suitable soil, water, and sunlight conditions.
Oregano plants have high resistance to weed and require little to no additional fertilizing to grow after germination.
How to Grow Your Oregano?
Below are some vital tips to know when growing your oregano plant:
1. Constant clipping will affect the spreading of the plant.
2. Let your oregano get taller to around 4 inches then you can clip them lightly.
3. At the close of spring, you can plant your oregano indoors in containers or pots.
4. Oregano plants require less water compared to other herb plants. You can pour a moderate amount of water if you feel the soil is too dry enough to leave it moist and not soggy.
5. The oregano plant appreciates sunlight which also enhances its flavor and scent. Therefore, let your plant have 6 to 8 hours of bath in the sun.
6. With no risks of frost, you can confidently plant your oregano.
7. Happily harvest your already grown oregano without fret because it will foster new growth.
8. Remember to discard dead branches.
Note that oregano is no exception to root rot. Therefore, ensuring an adequately drained plant will go a long way to ensuring your plant’s longevity.
Also, you might notice a change in the way your oregano looks, probably due to a scorching climate.
No need to worry, you can get your plant looking better by cutting or trimming the very affected areas.
Use manures recommended dehydrated manures to get your plant looking as fresh as it’s supposed to.
Can Oregano be Grown indoors?
Oregano can be grown indoors. Growing them indoors and outdoors is similar due to the conditions in which they are raised.
Letting oregano grow in temperature between 65-70F. (21-18C.) and around 55 – 60F (13 – 16.) degrees at night is the best.
Subsequently, it is recommended that every two weeks, you put some fertilizer on your plant.
Planting indoors, you should be mindful not to bury the plant’s stems to avoid root rot and death of the plant.
It would help if you also watched out for containers with proper drainage to let the water out each time you water. The reason for this is to avoid leaving the plants soaked.
Conclusion
Many oregano cultivators consider its invasive nature a considerable problem. However, with the proper knowledge about your oregano plant, this should not pose as much threat to you.
When and how to grow them and tackle the problems of oregano which may come off as very tactical, will now be a lot easier.