Are you growing oregano in Missouri, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?
Harvesting oregano is not as easy as it seems.
Here’s why:
- Oregano have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.
So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.
Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest oregano in Missouri:
- To Learn More About HOW to Grow Oregano, Check Out This GUIDE!
When Do I Harvest Oregano in Missouri?
As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your oregano: the physical features of the oregano & weather (time).
Harvest Oregano if They Look Like This!!!
The physical features of oregano are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.
In general, you should harvest oregano if they have the following physical features:
- The entire oregano is a solid red color. If the oregano is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
- The oregano is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
- Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.
Harvest Your Oregano During THIS Time of Year!!!
In general, you should harvest oregano:
- 65 to 85 days after starting oregano from seed
- 40 to 50 days after planting oregano in your garden
- 20 to 30 days after oregano first appear
And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your oregano before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your oregano plant and make your oregano inedible.
For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Missouri. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.
Missouri Last & First Frost Dates
It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.
Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.
When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.
- If oregano are in pots, bring them inside
- If oregano are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
- Pick all oregano. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.
If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Missouri, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.
