🌿 Dittany of Crete: Growing Guide

Dittany of Crete (Origanum dictamnus) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −5 to 35 °C (23–95 °F) in soil with a pH of 7.0–8.5. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).

Quick facts

When to sow, plant and harvest

The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.

• Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
• Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
• Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr.

Watering

Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy Mediterranean plant.

Growing tips

Endemic to Crete! Used in traditional herbal teas since antiquity. Dittany of Crete.

Good companion plants

These plants grow well alongside it:

• Thyme
• Oregano

Frequently asked questions

Dittany of Crete: when should I sow and plant it?

Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: May–Jun. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep. Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr.

Dittany of Crete: how often should I water it?

Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 21 days in winter. Hardy Mediterranean plant.

Dittany of Crete: how far apart should I plant it?

Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).

Dittany of Crete: how long does it take to grow?

Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).

Dittany of Crete: which plants grow well with it?

Thyme, Oregano.

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