edenhana

Oregano

A low-maintenance, spreading perennial herb that prefers free-draining soil and full sun.

Sun
full sun
Water
low
Spacing
30cm
Harvest
Ready in 70-90 days
Difficulty
beginner
Grows in
Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Hamilton / Waikato, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Napier / Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago, Invercargill / Southland
Expected yield
Continuous leaf picking once established
Cost to grow
~$5 NZD
Grocery value
~$18 NZD
Companion plants
Cucumber, Most vegetables
Plants to avoid nearby
Broccoli
Common diseases
Root rot in wet soil
Common pests
Aphids

When to plant by region

In Whangārei / Northland, Auckland, Tauranga / Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Napier / Hawke's Bay: March-April and September-October. In Hamilton / Waikato, New Plymouth / Taranaki, Palmerston North / Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Tasman, Blenheim / Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch / Canterbury, Dunedin / Otago and Invercargill / Southland: September-October.

Growing stages

  1. Planting

    • Needs free-draining soil in full sun; wet, heavy ground can lead to root rot
    • Space plants around 30cm apart to allow room for its spreading habit

  2. Establishment

    • Water regularly while roots establish, then taper off, as oregano prefers to stay on the dry side
    • Aphids can target soft new growth

  3. Ongoing growth & harvest70-90 days from planting, then continuous

    • Pick leaves regularly; oregano is low-maintenance and spreads readily once established
    • Watch for root rot if drainage is poor, particularly through wet winters
    • Trim back after flowering to stop plants sprawling and keep growth compact

Similar plants