Oregano in Zone 11a & 11b
Origanum vulgare
Yes, oregano grows in zones 11a and 11b. Start seeds indoors Nov 6–Nov 13 and plant out Jan 8–Jan 15.
When to plant oregano in zone 11b
Zones 11a and 11b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Nov 6–Nov 13 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 8–Jan 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 29–Apr 5 (~80 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 11b
These go outside within two weeks of oregano in zone 11b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilJan 15–Jan 22
- RosemaryJan 15–Jan 22
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)Jan 8–Jan 15
- LemongrassJan 8–Jan 15
- Mexican Mint MarigoldJan 8–Jan 15
- Shiso (Perilla)Jan 8–Jan 15
Oregano is a low, spreading perennial in the mint family, and one of the more forgiving herbs you can grow. It performs better in lean, dry soil than in rich, well-watered beds.
How oregano fits zone 11's season
Zone 11b is frost-free, so frost is not what limits the calendar here. What you can plant, and when, comes down to summer heat and daylength instead.
Oregano planting windows in every zone
Zone 11b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Mar 20–Mar 27 | May 22–May 29 | Aug 10–Aug 17 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 15–Mar 22 | May 17–May 24 | Aug 5–Aug 12 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 28–Mar 7 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 21–Jul 28 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jul 6–Jul 13 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 28–Feb 4 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 20–Jun 27 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 21–Dec 28 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 13–May 20 |
| 10a & 10bSpring window | Not usually | Feb–Apr | ~80 days after transplanting |
| Fall window | Not usually | Oct–Nov | ~80 days after transplanting |
| 11a & 11b (your zone) | Nov 6–Nov 13 | Jan 8–Jan 15 | Mar 29–Apr 5 |
Harvest dates are about 80 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
- Bell Pepper: Low, spreading habit fills gaps without competing for light.
Where to buy oregano seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's oregano seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Greek Oregano: Illinois Extension states plainly that if you want to plant "true" oregano, Greek oregano is the one to plant. Buy: Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing oregano" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 11b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Oregano in USDA zone 11b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest