Blog

When to plant Oregano in Sumter County, FL

Plant Oregano in Sumter County, between February 13 and February 27 — the only viable window. Zone 9b's short season (304 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Oregano in Sumter County, FL

Oregano

Oregano is a robust perennial herb essential to Italian and Greek cuisine. Its pungent, savory leaves intensify in flavor when dried.

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.

At an elevation of 463 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 60.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Oregano may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Oregano will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Oregano root diseases.

Sumter County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
303 days
Last Spring Frost February 6
303 growing days
First Fall Frost December 6

Sumter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Oregano

Oregano needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Oregano Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sumter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Oregano Planting Timeline — Sumter County, FL

Oregano Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 13 Feb 13 – Feb 27
Harvest April 17 Apr 17 – Jun 26

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Transplant Outdoors
March
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

303 days in Sumter County

Growing Tips for Sumter County

Start from seed, cuttings, or divisions. Harvest just before flowering for strongest flavor. Cut plants back to a few inches in spring to encourage vigorous new growth.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Oregano in Sumter County, FL?

Sumter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 6. Plan your Oregano planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sumter County, FL?

Sumter County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 6 and first fall frost is December 6.

When should I plant Oregano in Sumter County, FL?

In Sumter County, FL, plant Oregano after the last frost (around February 6) and before the first frost (around December 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sumter County, FL for Oregano?

Sumter County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Oregano grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Oregano grow in Sumter County's climate?

Yes — Oregano grows well in Sumter County's temperate climate. Sumter County averages a 304-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 6 and first frost around December 6.

🌱

Your Sumter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sumter County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sumter County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.