Oregano is a versatile herb that adds bountiful flavor to many dishes. Growing oregano from seeds can be an affordable way to harvest this zesty herb at home. But how many oregano seeds should you plant per pot for the best results? In this comprehensive guide we will explore the ideal number of seeds to sow for thriving oregano plants.
What to Consider When Deciding How Many Seeds Per Pot
When determining how many oregano seeds to plant in each pot. there are a few key factors to consider
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Variety of oregano – Some oregano varieties produce smaller plants, while others grow much larger. Smaller varietals like compact oregano may only need 5-10 seeds per pot. Larger Greek or Italian oregano may need 15-20 seeds.
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Germination rate – Oregano seeds can have variable germination rates based on seed age and storage conditions If using older seeds, sow more to account for lower germination Fresh seeds can be sparsely sown.
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Planting method – Direct sowing oregano seeds will require more seeds than starting plants indoors and transplanting. Sow 10-15 seeds per cell for direct seeding.
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Pot size – Larger pots, at least 6 inches wide, can accommodate more seeds. Smaller pots of 3-4 inches may only have room for 5-10 seeds.
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Desired plant density – Sowing more seeds will create dense oregano plants perfect for harvest. But less seeds allows each plant to grow larger.
Recommended Number of Seeds Per Pot Size
Based on these factors, here are some general recommendations for how many oregano seeds to plant per pot:
- Small pots & cells (3-4 inches) – 5-10 seeds
- Medium pots (6-8 inches) – 10-15 seeds
- Large pots (8+ inches) – 15-20 seeds
These numbers are for an average oregano seed variety with a good germination rate. Adjust as needed if you have a specific varietal or older seeds.
Step-By-Step Guide to Planting Oregano Seeds
Once you know how many seeds to plant, follow these steps for sowing oregano:
- Fill pot with seed starting mix or potting soil, water lightly.
- Sow seeds evenly spaced across the soil surface.
- Gently press seeds into the soil, about 1⁄4 inch deep.
- Cover seeds lightly with vermiculite or more soil.
- Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid displacing seeds.
- Place pots in a warm area around 70°F for best germination.
- Once seedlings sprout, move pots to full sun.
- Thin oregano seedlings to proper spacing once 2 sets of true leaves appear.
Proper thinning is important to avoid overcrowding. For small pots, thin to 1-2 of the strongest seedlings. For larger pots, thin to 3-5 seedlings spaced 2-4 inches apart.
Caring for Oregano Seeded Pots
Once your oregano seeds germinate, proper care is vital:
- Water whenever the soil dries out, avoid letting pots completely dry.
- Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Prune lightly to promote bushy growth.
- Transplant outdoors once frost risk has passed. Select a sunny spot.
With the right sowing density and proper care, growing oregano from seeds can yield a bountiful harvest. monitored frequently, especially when oregano is still young. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings but don’t let it get bone dry.
Achieve Oregano Success
Determining the ideal number of oregano seeds to plant per pot is important for growing success. Follow the recommendations in this guide based on your pot size, planting method, and desired plant density. Sow correctly, care diligently, and you’ll be harvesting homegrown oregano in no time.
In short what I explain in the video:
We are ready to plant Rosemary and Oregano now that the potting mix is ready. These are two beautiful herbs that should be in every herb garden.
I like to use a relative large size of pots to start my seeds. It lets me keep them in the same pot longer, so I don’t have to plant them again too soon. But that is of course a personal choice. Most people may use smaller pots or seeding trays. That is just fine, as well.
The process is really simple.
When everything is ready, I start by filling the plastic pots with soil. I usually fill the pot with loose soil all the way to the top, and then I use my thumb to gently press some soil to the sides of the pot. I do this to avoid big air pockets in the soil. Next I fill up the pot a second time, until it is completely filled with soil.
When filled the pots are ready for receiving the seeds. People are always asking how many seeds to I put together in one pot. There is no natural law that says I have to do this, but I don’t mind putting a lot of seeds in one cup. When it comes to rosemary, I put three to six plants in a pot cell. I can always split them up later. So I either put them on the soil or use a toothpick or other small stick to dig them in just below the surface, about 1/4 inch deep. I just make sure the seeds are covered.
Then I gently press down on the top layer of soil to make sure the seeds are covered and touch the soil around them.
The same thing is done for the oregano: I fill the pots with soil and thumb pack it into the cells to make a solid base with no air pockets. I then fill the pots all the way to the top. For oregano, I don’t mind scattering a bit because the seeds are so tiny, and we want the plants to grow into bushy plants that we can harvest. I will plant 20 to 30 seeds in each cell. I will pinch the seeds and just scatter them around across the top of the soil mix. Next I tuck them in again, and I gently compress the soil.
To finish, I put name and date sticks in the pots and water them from the bottom for 20 minutes. After removing the extra water, they are ready to go in my seed starting station with grow lights.
Okay, that’s how I do it. I hope this helped you, and it might also help you grow herb seeds successfully.
If you have a question, let me know in the comments. Good luck with your herbs!
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How to Grow Oregano from Seed in Pots | Italian Oregano
FAQ
How to plant oregano seeds in a pot?
How many herb seeds per 4 inch pot?
How many seeds should I put in one pot?
How many herb seeds can you plant in one pot?
How to grow oregano in pots?
It’s also super easy to grow in pots. To grow oregano select a pot that’s around 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Use the potting mix with pH 5.5 to 7.0. Oregano only requires watering when the top inch of the soil feels dry and should be cut regularly to keep the plant bushy. Here are nine tips for growing oregano in pots. 1. Select The Correct Size Of Pot
How do you grow oregano seeds?
Sprinkle the oregano seeds evenly over the soil surface. Cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil—no more than a quarter inch deep. Gently water the soil, ensuring it’s moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Seeds typically germinate in 7 to 14 days. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy oregano plant.
How far apart should oregano plants be planted?
The soil temperature should be 45°F or warmer. Planting depth: Sow seed ¼ inch deep; thin successful seedlings or set transplants to 6 inches apart. Spacing: Space oregano plants 12 inches apart. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart. How much to plant: Grow 2 to 4 plants for cooking; grow 6 to 12 plants for preserving.
How big should a pot of oregano be?
Pot size depends on the type of oregano you’ve decided to grow. In containers, regular oregano seldom grows more than 12-16 inches tall. You can grow it in a medium 8 to 12 inches deep pot with a similar spread. Some low-growing varieties like creeping oregano and golden oregano can be grown in shallow but wide 6-8 inches-deep pots.