Growing Oregano From Cuttings – Learn About Rooting Oregano Plants

What would we do without oregano? That traditional, aromatic herb that adds authentic Italian flavor to pizza, pasta, bread, soups, and salads? In addition to its culinary uses, oregano is an attractive plant, easy to grow in sunny herb gardens and containers or hanging baskets where it can trail lazily over the rim.

Oregano is hardy to USDA planting zone 5 and above or it can be grown indoors in cooler climates. It is easy to grow, and propagating oregano from cuttings couldn’t be simpler. Read on to learn how to plant oregano cuttings.

Oregano Cutting Propagation

When you take cuttings from oregano, use sharp scissors or pruning shears and cut stems 3 to 5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm.) long. The cuts should be diagonal, and each should be just above a node, the point where a leaf grows or is about to emerge.

Pinch leaves and buds from the lower two-thirds of the stem but leave at least two leaves at the top of the stem.

Rooting oregano plants can take place any time between spring and fall, but you’ll have more luck in spring or early summer when the stems are soft and pliable. 

Rooting Oregano Plants in Water

Stick the cuttings in a container with a small amount of water in the bottom. Change the water whenever it begins to look cloudy. Use either clear or amber glass, but keep in mind that water in clear glasses must be changed more often.

Place the cuttings in a warm room where they are exposed to bright, indirect light. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with potting mix when the roots are one to two inches (2 to 5 cm.) long, usually after about two weeks.

How to Plant Oregano Cuttings in Potting Soil

Fill a small pot with moistened potting soil. Be sure the pot has a drainage hole. Dip the bottom of the stems in liquid or powdered rooting hormone. Oregano generally roots well without this step, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Poke a hole in the moist potting soil with a pencil or your finger. Plant the cutting in the hole and firm the potting soil gently around the stem. You can safely put several oregano cuttings in the same container, but be sure the leaves aren’t touching, as the cuttings may rot.

Check the container frequently and water lightly if the potting soil is dry. Once the cuttings have rooted and are showing healthy new growth, you can move each new plant to its own small pot or just leave them in the same pot.

If you plan to grow oregano outdoors, wait until the plant is a healthy size and the roots are well established, usually after an additional month or so.