From my perspective as a Greek Oregano plant (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum), legginess is not a flaw but a survival strategy. My primary goal is to reproduce by flowering and setting seed. To achieve this, I direct my energy vertically, stretching my stems upwards to elevate my flowers above competing plants, making them more visible to pollinators. This natural inclination is exacerbated when I am searching for more light. If I am grown in a slightly shaded spot or if my lower leaves are shaded by my own dense upper growth, I will instinctively stretch my stems toward the light source. This results in long internodes—the sections of stem between leaf sets—and a sparse, woody appearance at the base. Essentially, I am sacrificing lower leaf production for the chance to reproduce and capture more sunlight.
When you prune me, you are speaking a language I understand on a cellular level. The act of cutting sends a direct signal to my growth hormones, particularly auxins, which are concentrated in the main stem's tip (the apical meristem). This tip exerts "apical dominance," suppressing the growth of lateral buds further down the stem. By removing this dominant tip, you break that hormonal control. The result is a redistribution of energy and nutrients. The previously dormant lateral buds, located at the leaf axils (where leaves meet the stem), are now stimulated to awaken and grow into new branches. Instead of one long, single stem, I will produce two or more new stems from the point of your cut, creating a denser, bushier form.
To keep me compact and productive, you must prune me in harmony with my growth cycles. There are two primary types of pruning I respond to:
Spring Pinching for Structure: In early spring, as I begin a vigorous growth spurt, gently pinch or use sharp scissors to remove the top inch or two of each stem, just above a set of leaves. This early intervention encourages me to branch out from the base, building a strong, bushy framework before my energy focuses on summer flowering. Repeat this light pinching every few weeks until midsummer.
Post-Bloom Hard Pruning for Rejuvenation: After my summer flower display is finished, I have expended significant energy. This is the ideal time for a more substantial haircut. Using clean shears, cut the entire plant back by about one-third to one-half of its height. Make your cuts just above a leaf node. This severe pruning removes the spent flower stalks and encourages a flush of fresh, new vegetative growth from the base. It prevents me from becoming woody and leggy and provides you with a hearty harvest of leaves for drying before winter.
Pruning alone is not enough; my environment must support your efforts. To sustain the bushy growth you encourage through pruning, I require ample sunlight. A minimum of six hours of direct sun daily is crucial. Without it, I will instinctively become leggy again, reaching for the light despite your pruning. Furthermore, be mindful of fertilization. While I appreciate moderately fertile soil, too much nitrogen, especially in high-nitrogen fertilizers, can promote rapid but weak, soft growth that is more prone to legginess. A light application of a balanced, organic fertilizer in the spring is sufficient. Finally, ensure I have well-draining soil, as my roots despise being waterlogged, which can cause stress and poor growth.
