How to Propagate Oregano for a Bountiful Indoor Herb Garden

Oregano is a wonderful addition to a windowsill herb garden, providing color, texture, and a distinct aroma. Naturally, if you've been growing this plant, then you may want to start adding more to a different container, or even another room in your home. Propagating is a great way to multiply your plants, so you'll have a seemingly never-ending supply of delicious herbs.

Propagating oregano is a relatively straightforward process, but it helps to know exactly what you're doing before you get started. Here, gardening experts provide their tips and tricks for each method.

Propagate by Cuttings

Experts recommend propagating by cuttings first and foremost, because it's both simple and effective. It's also an easy way to guarantee a high-quality plant.

"Many oreganos can be grown from seed, but they may not produce true varieties—some are purely decorative, without a pleasant fragrance or flavor," says Susan Betz, master gardener and author of Herbal Houseplants. "It's best to begin with a nursery transplant, or root a cutting from a favorite variety. This way, you can be confident in your oregano's flavor."

It's a pretty straightforward process once you get started. Simply follow these steps:

1. Take a cutting from your oregano—it should be about 3 to 4 inches long. Choose healthy stems that aren't flowering, and cut just below the node. Use a sharp, disinfected knife or scissors.
2. Remove the lower leaves, and leave just a few at the top.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Insert the cutting into soil. "Use a medium that will remain moist yet drain well," notes Betz. Set it somewhere sunny and bright.
5. After about 2 to 3 weeks, roots should appear. Then, transplant the cutting into a 3-inch pot filled with well-drained soil.
   

Propagate by Layering

Layering is another reliable option, however: "it's slower, since the stem is still attached to the mother plant while it forms roots," says Carrie Spoonemore, co-founder of the Seed to Spoon app.

She recommends following these steps for the best results:

1. Choose a low, flexible oregano stem. It should reach the soil.
2. Gently scrape a small section of the stem at a node.
3. Pin that part of the stem down to the soil. Cover it lightly with soil.
4. Keep the area moist. After several weeks, once it has formed roots, cut the new plant away from the parent. Place it in a pot.

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Propagate by Division

Division also works well if you have a mature plant, but there are caveats. "It's a bit messier, and is better suited for spring, when you can dig and replant outdoors," says Betz.

If you're open to a bit more mess, these are the steps she recommends following:

1. Water the oregano plant the day before you divide it.
2. Gently dig up the clump.
3. Use your hands or a clean knife to split it into smaller sections, each with roots and several stems.
4. Replant each section at the same depth in fresh soil. Water well.

Care Instructions

Oregano does have some specific care requirements—make sure you follow them with your newly propagated plant. "It's subject to sudden wilting and dislikes shady, moist, crowded conditions," says Betz. "It thrives in loose, well-draining, alkaline soil. Full sunshine is crucial for developing a full, robust flavor."

Spoonemore recommends letting the top inch of the soil dry out between waterings, so that the oregano doesn't get too soggy. You can also use an organic fertilizer every few weeks.

Once the weather warms up, you can transition oregano outdoors—or keep it inside for a lush, fragrant herb garden.