Rainline Garden

When to plant oregano in Ellensburg, WA

Plant young oregano plants in Ellensburg Apr 15 – Jun 10.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

Ellensburg's typical last spring frost is April 28. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the Inland Northwest, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 15.

Inland Northwest. Higher, colder interior valleys. Cold springs and an earlier fall mean a shorter season; quick-maturing varieties pay off.

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

  1. Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
  2. Plant young oregano plants Apr 15 – Jun 10, 12 to 18 inches apart. Plant at the depth it grew in the nursery pot.
  3. Water sparingly once established. Rich soil makes the flavor milder, so skip the fertilizer.
  4. 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 Ellensburg, WA?

Typically April 28. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 12. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Ellensburg Bowers Field.

Is it too late to plant oregano in Ellensburg?

The spring planting window runs through June 10. 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 Ellensburg around the same time

Planting dates for oregano in nearby areas

Full planting calendar for Ellensburg · Oregano in every city