Oregano Plant Does Not Flower

Question

I have had this plant for 6yrs. I thought it died a few times but it came back. I transferred it to a large terracotta pot outside (uncovered) and I’m in a zone 9a (9b) gulf coast SE Texas. It is thriving! Huge, long arms, smells amazing, dries in the dehydrator well. In all this time I have never seen it bloom. Why is this? I didn’t even know they DID bloom. Thanks! Stacy

Answer 1

Oregano typically flowers when it reaches maturity, responding to environmental cues such as day length and temperature. Longer days and warmer temperatures, characteristic of late spring and early summer, stimulate the flowering process. Day length is a crucial factor, with the transition from shorter days to longer days triggering the initiation of flowers. Environmental stress, like drought, may also prompt oregano to flower, as the plant perceives stress as a signal to reproduce. Adequate nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, play a role in encouraging flowering. Pruning can potentially result in bushier growth and increased flowering, but excessive pruning may stress the plant. If you aim to control flowering, manipulating day length through artificial light or adjusting growing conditions can be effective.