Growing Oregano from Seed
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Bruce Spink
Posted on: May 10, 2007

I’m a novice Master Gardener; first year student in SE Wisconsin, Racine County. Absolutely no experience w/growing oregano. Started seed 3/31 in 5 oz paper cups; surprised by how tiny seeds were, so sprinkled on top of a predominately black sand starting mix; sprayed watering to initiate seed, (now watering lightly from above) 250 seeds to 32 cups. Germinated April 15; fairly uniformly. Placed under florescent light; now 1/2" tall; very dainty. What now? Do I scissor clip out weakest plants; leaving one/cup?

Your guess is right on. You may have to fertilize since you are growing in sand. Make sure they get high light so that they do not get leggy and then die even when gradually exposed to outside conditions.

Do I give up on started plants and sow directly into garden...what soil temperature would I need? (we’re two weeks behind last year with our spring here) Looking for your guiding thoughts..thanks.

They need about 20 degrees Celsius or just above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure only the lightest covering of sand covers the seed and be careful of drying conditions. Starting perennials indoor is a good idea, because unlike annuals they do not grow very fast in the first year and can do with a head-start.

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