How to Grow Oregano in Australia
A year-round herb crop for the home garden
Growing Oregano at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step.
This guide covers when to plant Oregano in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Oregano is a year-round crop, fully frost-hardy. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Greek Oregano
The strongest-flavoured form, essential for pizza, Greek salads. Compact, white flowers.
Try: Green Harvest, Diggers, Bunnings (pots)
Common / Wild Oregano
Milder, pink flowers, more ornamental. Great bee plant. Sprawls as groundcover.
Try: Mr Fothergill's, Bunnings
Position and Soil
Give Oregano full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 8. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 30 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 18 and 25 degrees.
Mediterranean perennial, tough, drought tolerant, and flavour intensifies in dry sunny spots. Sprawls, so give it space or plant as edging.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 4 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
The main diseases to watch are Root rot. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Oregano is typically ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
In the Kitchen
Nutritionally: contains powerful antioxidants and carvacrol and supports digestive and immune health.
Companion Planting
Oregano grows well alongside Capsicum and Tomato. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Oregano Growing
Add oregano to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Oregano in Australia?
Oregano is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Oregano take to grow?
Oregano is generally ready to harvest in around 90 days (about 3 months).
How much sun does Oregano need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Oregano in the Plant Library
