When to plant oregano in La Grande, OR

Plant young oregano plants in La Grande Apr 15 – Jun 10.

Easy Plant young plants

Why these dates

La Grande's typical last spring frost is May 6. 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

Pick a sunny spot with soil that drains well, and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant young oregano plants Apr 15 – Jun 10, 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 La Grande, OR?

Typically May 6. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by May 26. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for La Grande.

Is it too late to plant oregano in La Grande?

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 La Grande around the same time

Planting dates for oregano in nearby areas

Baker City, OR Apr 27 – Jun 22
Pendleton, OR Apr 1 – May 27
The Dalles, OR Apr 1 – May 27
Hood River, OR Apr 1 – May 27
Hermiston, OR Apr 1 – May 27
Ontario, OR Apr 1 – May 27

Full planting calendar for La Grande · Oregano in every city