Propagating oregano by rooting cut oregano stems is simple. Here’s how to do it.
To propagate oregano, cut a 4 to 6 inch stem from a healthy plant. Remove the leaves from the bottom half. Place the stem in water until roots grow, which takes about 2 weeks. Then, plant the rooted stem in soil. Keep the soil moist and the plant in sunlight. Soon, you’ll have new oregano!
Let’s explore more details about propagating oregano from cuttings.
ROOTING OREGANO CUTTINGS
Choosing Stems: Pick a healthy oregano plant with no signs of disease or pests. Look for firm, green stems and plenty of leaves. Avoid woody stems as they don’t root well. The best plants for cuttings are at least one year old because they have stronger stems. Choose non-flowering stems because they focus on growing roots.
When to Harvest Cuttings: Spring or early summer is the best time to take cuttings. The plant is growing actively during these seasons, which helps the cuttings root better.
How to Take Cuttings of Oregano: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut and prevent disease. You might also use rooting hormone (optional), though it’s not necessary, to help the cuttings develop roots faster.
Cut a 4 to 6 inch section of the stem just below a node, where the leaves attach. These node are where you will see the roots grow. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, but leave a few leaves on top. Removing the lower leaves is beneficial because it keeps the leaves out of water so the water won’t spoil as quickly. It also gives the new plant less to focus energy on, so it can put more energy into growing roots.
Once you’ve chosen and prepared your cuttings, you have options on what to do with them. You can plant them in soil or root them in water.
Plant the Cuttings In Soil: Fill a small pot with well-draining soil. Mix potting soil and perlite or sand. Perlite will hold moisture closer to the stem to help it root. If you are choosing to use rooting hormone, dip the cut end into it. You could also do this step with Aloe Vera Gel. We are publishing an article about this soon.
Make a hole in the soil, insert the oregano cutting up to the first set of leaves, and firm the soil around it. At least one set of nodes should be under the soil. Water lightly and cover with a plastic bag or dome to keep the soil humid. It is a good idea to open the plastic bags from time to time to provide the plant with air circulation and avoid growing mold. If you notice your plants getting too tall for the bag, that’s good news. Your oregano cutting probably has roots! Tug lightly on a cutting. If it slides out of the soil easily it is not rooted enough. “If the oregano cutting resists when you pull, it likely has roots.
In Water: If you choose a clear cup to root your oregano cutting in, you will be able to easily monitor the progress of rooting. Place the cutting in a glass or jar of water. The lower nodes should be submerged but the leaves at the top of the cutting need to remain above water. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth. Place the jar in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent overheating and algae growth.
Temperature: Keep the cuttings in a warm environment, ideally between 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Consistent warmth encourages root growth.
Monitoring and Transplanting
Root Development: Check for root development after a few weeks. Cuttings in water will show visible roots, while those in soil can be gently tugged to feel for resistance, indicating root growth.
Transplanting: Once the roots are 1 to 2 inches long, the cuttings are ready to be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden. Gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions by increasing their exposure to direct sunlight and outdoor temperatures over a week or two.
OREGANO PROPAGATION BY SEEDS
Choose high-quality oregano seeds from a trusted source to ensure a high germination rate. Reputable suppliers generally provide fresher seeds that aren’t too old, giving you a better chance of success.
Oregano seeds are tiny, so they need to be sown on the surface of the soil. Do not bury them deeply; just press them lightly into the soil. The best soil for oregano seeds is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mix of fine potting soil and perlite works well for seed propagation. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once seeds are in place, many growers put plastic over their seed trays to retain moisture. This is especially useful because the seeds are not buried deep and water evaporates from the upper layers of soil first. Just like when rooting cuttings in soil covered with plastic, a seed tray covered in plastic also needs to be aired out on occasion to prevent mold.
There are both benefits and drawbacks to propagating oregano from seeds. One benefit is that you can grow many plants from a small amount of seeds, which is cost-effective. However, growing oregano from seeds takes more time compared to other methods. Seeds need a warm environment to germinate, and the plants take longer to mature and produce leaves compared to other propagation methods. This slower growth means you will need to be patient before you can start using your oregano.
OREGANO PROPAGATION BY DIVISION
Dividing an oregano plant from your garden or grocery store is a great way to make new plants and refresh an older one. The best time to divide oregano is in early spring or early fall. During these times, the plant is not in its full growing season, so it will recover more easily. To divide the plant, gently dig it up from the ground or pot. Then, carefully separate the roots into smaller sections, each with some leaves and roots.
Dividing oregano has several benefits. It helps rejuvenate older plants that might not be growing as well. Newer plants with less woody stems produce more leaves. Dividing oregano also quickly produces new plants, so you can have more oregano in your garden.
OREGANO PROPAGATION BY LAYERING
Oregano can be propagated by layering, which is a method where you encourage a part of the plant to grow roots while it is still attached to the parent plant. To start propagation by layering, select a healthy, flexible stem from the oregano plant. Do not remove the stem from the plant. Do remove the leaves from the part of the stem that will be buried in the soil. Gently bend the stem down to the soil and bury a part of it in the soil, leaving the tip of the stem exposed. You can secure the buried part of the stem with a small peg or a rock to keep it in place. Keep the soil moist and wait for a few weeks. During this time, roots will begin to grow from the buried section of the stem. Once the new roots have established, you can cut the new plant from the parent and transplant it to a new pot or garden spot.
Layering has several benefits. It helps rejuvenate older oregano plants by creating new, healthy plants from them. This method can also produce multiple new plants quickly, making it a great way to expand your oregano collection. Additionally, because the new plants grow from the original plant, they often have strong roots and are more likely to thrive in their new locations.
WHY PROPAGATE OREGANO
Oregano is a perennial herb, which means it comes back every year if it has the right growing conditions. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and has a woody stem. You can grow oregano from seeds, from cuttings, by dividing the plant, and by layering. Oregano is strong and can handle drought, deer, poor soil, and erosion.
Propagating oregano helps keep your garden healthy and productive. Older oregano plants can become woody and less productive over time. By regularly propagating new plants, you ensure that your oregano remains vigorous and flavorful. You can share extra plants with friends and family or use them to fill in empty spots in your garden. Having a steady supply of fresh oregano also means you will have more to dry or freeze for use during the winter months when fresh herbs may not be available.
IN CONCLUSION
Even though cutting is the most popular way to propagate oregano, there are three other methods to explore. You can start oregano from seeds, divide an older oregano plant into smaller sections, or layer an existing plant so it can create new roots.
Mastering the art of oregano propagation rewards you with a bountiful harvest of fresh herbs, bringing both a sense of accomplishment and the joy of elevating your culinary creations.
Article 000, Contributor/s: Sheryl CS Johnson and Carol Schwinn