Compacta

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

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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

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Compacta Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a	Apr 13th	Jun 8th	Aug 22nd – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 3rd	May 29th	Aug 12th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 3rd	May 29th	Aug 12th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 7th	Jun 2nd	Aug 16th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 3rd	May 29th	Aug 12th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 1st	May 27th	Aug 10th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Mar 27th	May 22nd	Aug 5th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Mar 23rd	May 18th	Aug 1st – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Mar 20th	May 15th	Jul 29th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 14th	May 9th	Jul 23rd – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 9th	May 4th	Jul 18th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Feb 27th	Apr 24th	Jul 8th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Feb 18th	Apr 15th	Jun 29th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 9th	Apr 6th	Jun 20th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Jan 23rd	Mar 20th	Jun 3rd – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Dec 29th	Feb 23rd	May 9th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Dec 15th – Feb 28th

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.