When to plant oregano in Chelan, WA

Plant young oregano plants in Chelan Apr 1 – May 27.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

Chelan's typical last spring frost is April 17. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 1.

Columbia Basin and low eastern valleys. Hot, dry summers and quick spring warm-up. Warm crops go in earlier than west of the Cascades, and irrigation matters more than rain.

Difficulty: Easy
Sun: Full sun
Spacing: 12 to 18 inches apart
Planting depth: Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: Pick lightly the first year, freely after that

Step by step

Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant young oregano plants Apr 1 – May 27, 12 to 18 inches apart. Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot.
Water sparingly once established. Rich soil makes the flavor milder, so skip the fertilizer.
Harvest: Cut stems just before flowering, when flavor peaks. Dry bunches upside down in a shady, airy spot.

Varieties that do well here

Greek oregano (strongest flavor)
Italian oregano
Golden oregano

Watch out for

Few pests. Plants sprawl and get woody; cut them back by half in early summer.

A hardy perennial that thrives on neglect. Flavor is strongest just before it flowers.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Chelan, WA?

Typically April 17. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 30. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Chelan.

Is it too late to plant oregano in Chelan?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. Later plantings tend to struggle in summer heat.

How long until I can pick oregano?

Pick lightly the first year, freely after that. Cut stems just before flowering, when flavor peaks. Dry bunches upside down in a shady, airy spot.

Also plant in Chelan around the same time

Planting dates for oregano in nearby areas

Wenatchee, WA Apr 1 – May 27
Omak and Okanogan, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
Leavenworth, WA Apr 15 – Jun 10
Winthrop and Twisp, WA Apr 17 – Jun 12
Pendleton, OR Apr 1 – May 27
The Dalles, OR Apr 1 – May 27

Full planting calendar for Chelan · Oregano in every city