How to grow Oregano in New Zealand
Oregano is a tough, spreading Mediterranean herb, the classic pizza and pasta herb, with a flavour that is often stronger dried than fresh. It thrives on neglect in a sunny, dry, free-draining spot, and its summer flowers are covered in bees. Greek oregano has the strongest flavour for cooking, while common oregano makes a hardy, sprawling groundcover.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Oregano in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | August to May | |
| Auckland | August to May | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | August to May | |
| Central North Island | August to May | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | August to May | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | August to May | |
| Canterbury | August to May | |
| Otago & Southland | September to May | Plant Sep to May. Before that the ground is too cold, and later plantings do not root in before the hard frosts. |
| Central Otago | September to April | Plant Sep to Apr. Before that the ground is too cold, and later plantings do not root in before the hard frosts. |
Not to be confused with: Sweet marjoram, a milder, more tender close relative. Common oregano is also called wild marjoram.
Where to plant
Grow oregano in full sun in light, free-draining soil. It prefers fairly dry conditions, and its flavour intensifies in a dry, sunny spot. In very hot districts it appreciates some afternoon shade. Wet, heavy soil, especially in winter, causes root rot.
It spreads, so give it room at the edge of a bed or path, or use it as a groundcover. In cold, wet districts it may not survive winter in the ground and is sometimes grown as an annual.
- Northland to Canterbury, including Wellington and Nelson and Marlborough: plant from August to May.
- Otago and Southland: plant from September to May. Earlier, the ground is too cold, and later plantings do not root in before the hard frosts.
- Central Otago: plant from September to April. Hot, dry summers suit oregano well; make sure the soil drains freely in winter.
Choosing a variety
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Greek oregano | Strong, peppery true oregano flavour, the best for cooking and drying; usually bought as a plant |
| Common or wild oregano (Origanum vulgare) | A milder, sprawling, hardy form, easy from seed and good as a groundcover |
| Golden oregano | Gold-leaved ornamental form, milder in flavour, good as edging |
How to plant
- Sow the tiny seed on the surface of seed-raising mix in trays from September to March, barely covering it. It germinates in about 7 to 14 days at 18 to 25°C.
- Plant out seedlings, or bought plants, about 15 to 50 cm apart depending on how much room you want them to fill.
- For a particular flavour, such as Greek oregano, grow from a bought plant, cuttings or division rather than seed.
- Water in, then water sparingly.
Watering and feeding
Water sparingly once established and let the soil dry between drinks. Oregano is drought tolerant and rots in wet ground.
It needs little or no feeding; lean soil gives the strongest flavour. A light liquid feed helps potted plants in spring.
Pruning and care through the year
- Trim plants after flowering to keep them compact and stop them going woody.
- Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth.
- Divide spreading clumps every few years in spring.
Harvesting
Pick leaves and stems as needed once plants are growing well, about 8 to 12 weeks after sowing. Removing flower heads extends the leafy harvest, but you can also leave some to flower for the bees.
For drying, cut stems just before flowering, hang them in bunches in a warm, airy, shady spot, then strip the leaves into a sealed jar. Dried oregano often has a stronger flavour than fresh.
Growing in pots
Oregano grows well in a pot at least 30 cm wide with free-draining mix, in a warm, sunny spot. Let the mix dry between waterings and trim often.
Companion planting
Oregano's flowers bring bees and beneficial insects to summer crops.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Oregano is rarely troubled by pests. Wet roots cause most losses.
Oregano is rarely troubled by pests.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Plants yellow, wilt and die back in wet, heavy soil, especially in winter. Improve drainage or grow in a pot.
Common questions
What is the difference between oregano and marjoram?
They are close relatives. Oregano is hardier with a stronger, earthier flavour; sweet marjoram is milder, sweeter and more cold sensitive. Common oregano is also called wild marjoram.
Why does my oregano have no flavour?
Common oregano grown from seed is often mild. For strong flavour, grow Greek oregano from a plant, keep it in full sun and lean, dry soil, and do not overfeed or overwater.
Is dried oregano stronger than fresh?
Often, yes. The flavour of oregano leaves can be more intense when dried.
How do I stop oregano going woody?
Trim it after flowering and cut back old stems in late winter or early spring. Divide old clumps every few years.
Will oregano survive winter?
In free-draining soil it is a hardy perennial in most of New Zealand. In cold, wet ground it may rot, so improve drainage or grow it in a pot.
Sources we checked: Kings Seeds NZ: Oregano; Yates NZ: How to grow oregano.