Wild Oregano [Origanum vulgare]

Perennial wild oregano is a versatile, ancient spice, tea, oil, and medicinal plant native to Mediterranean regions of Europe. A versatile, effective, and healthy spice and medicinal herb, it's typical for pizza and pasta. It's suitable for rock gardens and dry, lean locations. Ideal for direct sowing or pre-cultivation, pot culture possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting seeds, flower buds and leaves.

 Description 
Wild oregano is a very ancient, perennial, and versatile spice, tea, oil, and medicinal plant. This robust wild herb originates from the Mediterranean regions of Europe, but today it can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America, Asia, and North Africa. It often thrives in dry locations such as forest edges, embankments, and meadows. In the Middle Ages, oregano was cultivated as a spice and medicinal plant in castle and monastery gardens due to its valuable ingredients. In the kitchen, this versatile herb, thanks to its spicy aroma, is now a widely used seasoning for pizza, soups, pasta, tomato sauces, meat, and sausage, and is an important ingredient in Cajun dishes. The highly aromatic seeds can also be eaten, and the leaves can be brewed into a healing herbal tea. In naturopathy, the rich essential oil is used in various cosmetic products, which has a relaxing effect on muscles. The powerful oil is traditionally used as a natural antibiotic, to support digestion, relieve cold symptoms, and treat skin conditions. A typical Mediterranean herb, 'Origanum vulgare' thrives in rockeries, on top of walls, or near house walls. The pink flowers serve as bee pasture and attract numerous butterflies and bees.

 General information 
Plant family: Lamiaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 120 days
Plant height approx.: 40 cm
Root type: Shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to -22°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy loam soil

pH value: 7 to 8

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-25 °C
Germination time: 10-20 days
Plant and row spacing: 30x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Onion, Carrot, Tomato, Leek, all pumpkin plants
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from April to September is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from May to June is recommended. The ideal location for the plants is warm and sunny.

 General recommendations 
Oregano needs at least 20°C to germinate. Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin the plants to the specified plant spacing. Keep the soil consistently moist after sowing until the roots develop. It prefers well-drained, nutrient-poor, and dry soil. Soils rich in humus and nutrients, which can therefore retain a lot of water, are not suitable. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Wild oregano does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
Water only moderately; persistently moist soil impairs plant health. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Origanum vulgare
English names: Wild oregano, Wild marjoram
German names: Wilder Oregano, Dost, Echter Dost, Gemeiner Dost, Wilder Majoran, Dorst, Dostenkraut
Portuguese names: Orégão, Orégano, Ourego
Spanish names: Orégano
French names: Origan, Origan commun, Marjolaine sauvage

 Origin 
Country: Portugal