Compacta

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Aromatic as a sunlit herb garden—Compacta oregano forms a dense, compact mound that releases a bright, peppery fragrance the moment you brush the foliage.

The leaves are small to medium and richly textured, with a classic oregano bite that stands up beautifully in dried blends and herb-forward seasonings. Grow Compacta for a tidy, high-yield clump that’s ideal for containers or garden borders, bringing steady green color and bold herbal character through the season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Upright

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 9th
Harvest Begins	Jul 23rd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	40
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Compacta oregano is built for impact: the small leaves pack a peppery, sunlit herbal punch that stays legible in heat and doesn’t collapse when dried. If you want a tidy plant that delivers big oregano character in oil, rubs, and oven heat, this is the one to keep close.

Best Uses

finely chopped fresh oregano on pizzas and hot grilled meats
treating as a go-to for poultry and lamb rubs (dry or quickly wilted)
drying and using in bold herb blends—this variety holds flavor without turning flat
stirring into oily sauces and dressings for a sharp, aromatic hit

Flavor Profile

bright peppery oregano bite sunny, slightly camphorous herbal aroma small-leaf intensity with a clean, savory finish

Kitchen Pairings

olive oil lemon garlic chili flakes oregano-friendly tomatoes grilled lamb

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (Kaliteri Oregano), and how can I control it?

The most frequent issue is root rot from overly wet soil, often showing up as wilting and blackened stems at the base. Plant in well-drained soil, water only when the top 1 inch is dry, and remove any collapsing plants right away to prevent spread. If rot starts, stop watering for several days and improve drainage by loosening the soil and adding coarse compost or grit around the root zone.

How often should I water Kaliteri Oregano during its main growing phase?

During active growth, keep soil evenly moist but never soggy: water about every 5–7 days depending on heat, and always let the top 1 inch dry first. In full sun, compact plants can dry faster, so check by feel daily during hot spells. Once established, it tolerates mild drought, so err on the side of less water rather than frequent soaking.

How do I tell when Kaliteri Oregano is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 75 days when plants are well branched and leaves are fully developed, with strong aroma. Take sprigs in the morning, cutting just above a set of leaves to encourage new side shoots. For best flavor, avoid harvesting right before a heavy flowering flush, since leaves can become slightly tougher.