A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum Herbs how many seeds?

How many seeds do ya think I should plant for a nice clump [8inches by 8inches] approx. of oregano? does one seed only grow one little bit, or does it grow a nice sized plant? This is my first time starting it from seed..

Each seed that sprouts will eventually become a mature plant. Not every seed in a pack will produce a plant. When seedlings get their third or fourth set of leaves they will need to be moved to their own pot.

I have one plant and it will easily grow larger than your 8 by 8 desire. I've had to cut mine back many times this year.

If I'm not sadly mistaken this is like a creeping ground cover when given a chance. I have it in a pot so it can't go anywhere. But from it's growth pattern I'd say it probably spreads like mint does.

I could be wrong but isn't oregano a mint? maybe that's why it spreads like one?

I didn't know that. But it sure explains it doesn't it? lol.

Hmmm good question..I was wondering the same thing about oregano...about if one seed produces a good sized plant. I'm growing mine by seed and they have just sprouted. They are the tiniest little sprouts I've ever seen!

When should the sprouts be thinned...when about 1 inch?

Oregano is in the mint family along with Thyme, Sage, Lavender, Bee Balm, Basil, Rosemary, Hyssop, Coleus, Russian Sage, Ajuga and Salvia. For a complete and "surprising" list of plants in the family Lamiaceae use google.

Being in the family doesn't mean all of the plants will spread or get out of hand like peppermint or lemon balm can. It may be because the plant has a square stem and opposite leaves, it has the a similar flower structure or has a fragrant oil

JustAGirl

If you have the seed packet there should be directions for thinning on the back of the package.

If you want only one plant you would keep the strongest looking seedling and remove all the rest. If you want more than one plant transplant each seedling to its own pot when the first set of true leaves appear. Much depends on the size of the container holding the seeds.

As the sprouts grow they will develope two rounded seed leaves. Next, two leaves (called true leaves) will appear above the round or seed leaves. Plants can be moved to their own pots at that point. If you want only one plant then keep the strongest looking seedling toward the middle of your planting container and cut off at the soil line all the other seedlings.

Thanks everyone!