When to Plant Oregano in Chicago, Illinois (60607)

Location

Chicago, Illinois

ZIP Code

60607

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Based on last frost Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · Zone 6b

Pro tip: Start Oregano seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Origanum vulgare

Days to Maturity 80 days

Mature Height 12-24"

Spread 18"

Type Spreading

Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6+ hours)

💧

Water

Low to Moderate

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Oregano in Chicago?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

PepperTomatoBasil

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Oregano

See which plants help Oregano thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let flower clusters dry fully on the plant — tiny seeds form in dried calyxes.

Processing

Strip dried clusters, rub between fingers over a bowl, winnow lightly to remove chaff.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Greek oregano from seed may vary in flavor intensity. Propagate by cuttings for culinary consistency.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Oregano. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Oregano in Chicago, Illinois? +

In Chicago (Zone 6b), start Oregano seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Chicago, Illinois? +

The average last spring frost date for Chicago, Illinois (ZIP 60607) is around Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6b.

How long does Oregano take to grow? +

Oregano typically matures in about 80 days from transplanting. In Chicago, that means you can expect harvest around Wednesday, April 29, 2026 plus 80 days.

Should I start Oregano indoors or direct sow in Illinois? +

Oregano should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Chicago, that means starting around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

📚 More Oregano Planting Guides

🗺️

Oregano in Illinois

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 6b Oregano Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Oregano in Zone 6b

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a popular garden vegetable. In Chicago, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should start seeds indoors around Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Oregano seedlings outdoors around Wednesday, April 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.