Oregano

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Oregano

Latin name

Origanum vulgare

Family

Lamiaceae

Origin

Mediterranean region and western Eurasia

Crop classification

Spicy and aromatic plants

Exposure

Light-loving

Frost resistance

frost resistant/perrenial

Otimal growth temperature

21 – 29°C

Water requirements

Regular irrigation

Soil requirements

Sandy loam, loam-sandy soil

Soil pH

6 - 7

Edible part

Herba origani (oregano herb), Folium origani (oregano leaf)

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Interesting

Dried and fresh leaves of this genus, but of different species (Origanum onites, Organum vulgare ssp. prismaticum, etc.) are used as a spice, which is known worldwide under the trade name "oregano".

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Usage

Oregano is typical of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine, used in sauces, pizza, soups, marinades and spice blends (Provencal herbs or Mexican blend, etc.)

Inclusion in the crop rotation and fertilization requirements 

In our conditions, it is a perennial, it grows again in spring after the aboveground part dies off in winter. 

Track: II. 

Suitable preceding crops: legumes, cereals, root vegetables 

Fertilization: In an experimental study (Asri, 2023) with organic fertilizers, various forms of organic and chemical fertilizers were applied to oregano plants, with special attention paid to manure (FYM - 21 t ha⁻¹), chicken manure (CM - 5 t ha) and other fertilizers such as urea (46% N) 325 kg ha⁻¹, potassium sulfate (50% K₂O) - 200 kg ha⁻¹, superphosphate (44% P₂O₅) 200 kg ha⁻¹. The study showed that all forms of fertilization positively affected both fresh and dry herb yield, as well as essential oil production, with chicken manure having the greatest direct effect. 

Varieties: Economically interesting oregano varieties include those with high essential oil content, good yields and are adapted to different climatic conditions. 

Cultivation techniques 

Oregano can be propagated by seed, division of older plants or cuttings.

Harvest - We harvest flowering herbs, or just the flower tops in full bloom, which is usually in summer, from June to August, depending on climatic conditions. 

Use: Oregano is typical of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine, used in sauces, pizza, soups, marinades and spice mixtures (Provencal herbs or Mexican mixture, etc.) 

Effect on human health: 

Constituents: essential oils (carvacrol, thymol, 1,8-cineole), tannins and bitters, flavonoids, carotene, vitamin C 

Phytotherapeutic groups: sedative, nervine, carminative, antiseptic 

Diseases and pests: 

Oregano can be attacked by diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, root rot and septoria, and pests such as aphids and whiteflies. 

REF: ASRI, Filiz Öktüren, 2023. The effects of organic and conventional fertilization on oregano (Origanum onites L.) yield and quality factors. Folia Horticulturae. Vol. 35, no. 1, p. 209–219. DOI 10.2478/fhort-2023-0016