How to Grow Oregano in New Zealand
Mediterranean perennial that is tough and drought tolerant, with the flavour intensifying in a dry, sunny spot. It sprawls, so give it room or use it as edging. Trim after flowering to keep it from going woody.
When to plant oregano in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best oregano varieties for NZ
- Greek Oregano — Strong, peppery true oregano flavour, the best for cooking and drying. (Kings Seeds, garden centres)
- Common / Wild Oregano — Milder sprawling form, hardy and good as a ground cover. (Egmont Seeds, Mr Fothergill's NZ)
How to grow oregano
- Space plants about 30cm apart.
- Sow seed around 0.3cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 90 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow oregano near: Capsicum, Tomato.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Oregano plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant oregano in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy oregano seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, garden centres, Egmont Seeds.