Not all winter herbs can survive the chilly months, but you can protect them and choose more winter-hardy herbs in cold climates.
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Oregano is a staple herb in many cuisines around the world With its robust, earthy flavor, it can transform basic dishes into something truly special But beyond being tasty, oregano is also a remarkably hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures.
If you grow oregano in your garden or plan to start, understanding its cold tolerance is key. So how cold can oregano tolerate before it sustains damage? Let’s take a deep dive into the frost tolerance of this beloved herb.
An Overview of Oregano’s Cold Hardiness
Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region, where winters are mild. Yet over centuries of cultivation, the herb has proven itself hardy even in colder climates Here’s a quick overview of oregano’s cold tolerance
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Minimum Temperature: Oregano can survive temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C). It can endure even lower temperatures for short periods.
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USDA Hardiness Zones Oregano can be grown in zones 5-9 It will thrive in zones 7-9 but requires protection from extreme cold in zones 5 and 6
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Frost Tolerance: Oregano is frost-tolerant and can bounce back after exposure to frost. However, hard frosts may cause dieback.
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Winter Protection: In zones 5 and 6, oregano will need winter mulching or covering to avoid frost damage. Potted plants should be brought indoors.
So in short, oregano is significantly more cold-tolerant than most other herbs. But gardeners in colder climates will need to take some winter protection measures. Next, let’s look more closely at how various factors affect oregano’s cold hardiness.
Key Factors That Impact Oregano’s Cold Tolerance
Several key factors work together to determine just how much cold an oregano plant can endure:
The Oregano Variety
There are over 50 varieties of oregano, and some are more cold-hardy than others. Greek, Italian, and Vulgaris oregano are especially winter-hardy. Kent Beauty and Aureum have slightly less cold tolerance.
The Plant’s Age
Mature oregano plants have a higher cold tolerance than younger plants. First year plants are the most vulnerable and will need the most winter protection.
Soil Conditions
Well-drained, fertile soil creates strong, healthy oregano plants better able to withstand cold stresses. Heavy, compacted, or wet soil can increase susceptibility to frost damage.
Exposure
Oregano grown in full sun is slightly more cold-hardy than plants in part shade. But too much sun without adequate water can weaken plants.
Winter Preparation
Proper fall pruning and mulching makes oregano more cold-resistant. Good snow cover also protects plants from hard freezes.
As you choose your oregano variety and care for your plants, keep these factors in mind to maximize winter hardiness. Next, let’s look at specific temperatures oregano can endure.
Just How Low Can Oregano Go?
Now that we’ve covered the key variables, how cold can oregano really get before sustaining damage? Here are more details:
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Down to 20°F (-7°C) oregano may show some frost damage on leaves and stems, but the plant crowns will be unharmed.
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From 10-20°F (-12 to -7°C) expect moderate foliage damage, but plants should recover in spring. Provide winter protection.
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At 10°F (-12°C) or below, oregano may experience severe dieback. The roots may survive and regrow, but protect plants in this range.
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With short-term exposure to 0°F (-18°C) plants may survive if healthy and hardened off. But prolonged exposure will kill aboveground growth.
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Temperatures below 0°F (-18°C) may kill the oregano altogether. Only grow oregano outdoors in zones 5+ that don’t experience these extremes.
The bottom line is oregano can tolerate short-term temperatures as low as 0°F when dormant. But for consistent winter survival, aim to keep your plants above 10°F. Next, let’s look at some winter protection methods.
Protecting Oregano Through the Winter
If you live in USDA zones 5-6, plan to give your oregano some winter protection:
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Heavily mulch plants with 4-6 inches of straw or leaves to insulate the soil and crown.
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Cover with row cover fabric to protect from wind and keep in warmth. Use hoops to avoid compressing plants.
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Build a cold frame over plants for added insulation from cold and wetness.
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Plant in protected microclimates sheltered from wind, such as near walls or structures.
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Potted plants should be moved into an unheated garage or cellar, or indoors near a sunny window.
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Prune lightly in fall and avoid fertilizing late in year so plants harden off properly.
Take these preventative measures, and your oregano should survive whatever winter throws at it. Just be sure to remove any coverings in early spring to allow new growth.
Growing Oregano for Maximum Cold Tolerance
To ensure your oregano thrives through frigid weather, follow these tips for care:
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Select cold-hardy varieties like Greek, Italian, or Vulgaris oregano.
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Plant in spring once the soil has warmed, or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
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Choose a site with full sun and very well-drained soil. Amend soil with compost to improve drainage.
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Space plants 18-24 inches apart. Crowding increases moisture retention and cold susceptibility.
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Water deeply after planting, then allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought tolerance increases hardiness.
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Fertilize sparingly, only in spring and summer. Excess nitrogen reduces winter readiness.
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Prune lightly in early fall to prevent excessive moisture retention and stem dieback.
Follow these best practices, and your oregano will develop into a hardy, cold-tolerant plant. With a little winter protection, you can enjoy homegrown oregano for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold can oregano tolerate for extended periods?
Oregano can tolerate temperatures down to 10°F (-12°C) for weeks at a time when dormant. Provide winter protection below this threshold.
What happens if oregano gets too cold?
Foliage will show frost damage at 20°F (-7°C) but plants recover. Below 10°F (-12°C), dieback is likely. Prolonged cold below 0°F (-18°C) may kill the plant.
Should I mulch my oregano for winter?
Yes, apply 4-6 inches of straw, leaves, or other organic mulch around oregano plants after the ground freezes. This insulates the soil and protects the roots.
When should I cover or bring in potted oregano plants?
Move potted oregano plants to a sheltered spot, unheated garage, or indoors before nights drop below 25°F/-4°C.
Can I grow oregano year-round outdoors?
In zones 7 and warmer, oregano will remain evergreen through winter. In zones 5-6 provide winter protection for best results. Don’t grow it year-round in zones colder than 5 unless in a greenhouse.
Keep Your Oregano Thriving Through the Cold
When cared for properly, oregano is impressively cold-tolerant compared to most herbs. Use this guide to understand oregano’s frost hardiness, prepare plants for winter, and protect them from extreme cold. With a little TLC, your oregano will keep flourishing right through the chilly seasons!
Chives Are Super Hardy Perennial Plants
Like green onions, chives can really hang in there after frost, though they do get a little droopy. After frost, you can still harvest your chives, but you might consider drying them in the oven or a dehydrator rather than using them fresh since theyll have lost some of their vibrant flavor. That way, you can still toss chives on your hearty winter soups and baked potatoes.
Chives are perennial plants in the onion family. They will die back with extreme wintry weather, but theyre usually one of the first plants to pop back up in my garden every spring. Not even spring, really, more like late winter, as soon as the weather warms up slightly. If you use garden covers or have a cold frame, your chives should be able to grow through winter and beyond.
Learn more tips to grow your own organic chives.
Cabbage Is a Frost-Hardy Veggie
Cabbage has nice, thick leaves that have allowed it to be grown in colder places for centuries. Its a cousin to kale—theyre both in the brassica family—and loves cooler weather. Youll find the leaves of your cabbage plant taste a little sweeter after some frost. Plus, you wont have to worry about those pesky cabbage worms for a bit.
Napa cabbage only tolerates temps down to about 26º F, but other cabbage varieties are more frost resistant. If youre growing in a colder climate, look for types with savoyed leaves. Savoy just means bumpy. The bumpier the leaves, the higher tolerance for cold.
Learn more about growing cabbage in your backyard.
