Origanum vulgare Oregano and Marjoram from the family Lamiaceae
Jekka's Herb of the month, March
"Oregano is a kitchen favourite, adding flavour and aroma to
tomato dishes, pasta, meat (especially lamb) and fish. The heady
aroma of this herb fills the mountainous Mediterranean landscape,
and is credited with lifting people's spirits. Medicinally, it is probably
one of the best antiseptics." Jekka McVicar
The word oregano is derived from the Greek 'oros', meaning mountain, and 'ganos', meaning joy and beauty, hence its full meaning
'joy of the mountain'.
There is some confusion as to why some members of the Origanum family are called oregano, and others marjoram.
The only species to include marjoram in its Latin name is Origanum majoranaknown commonly as Sweet marjoram. However, severaloriganumshave the common name of Marjoram, so probably the only way to be sure is to check the Latin name.
Origanum vulgare ,Oregano, Wild marjoram
All of the Origanum species look and smell wonderful. In cooking, their flavour transforms an ordinary dish into a Mediterranean delight, and for personal well-being they act as an excellent tonic.
Origanum vulgare 'Nanum', Dwarf Oregano..
..and Origanum vulgare 'Compactum, Compact Oregano are lower growing, very attractive to butterflies, and make good edging plants.
Origanum vulgareis a hardy perennial which grows to a
height of 45cm - although the dwarf variety, 'Nanum', grows only to a height of 20-30cn, makingit ideal for containers, and as an edging plant at the front of borders.
For the most part, Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region, but they have adapted to many countries.
Aristotle reported that tortoises, after swallowing a snake, would immediately eat oregano to prevent death, giving rise to the belief that it was an antidote to poison.
The Greeks and Romans used it as a massage oil, a disinfectant and preservative.
Infact, Origanum vulgare is one of the best natural antiseptics, owing to its high thymol content.
Oregano is very attractive to butterflies, making it an excellent biodiversity plant.
Propagation
Seed: Origanum vulgare, Origanum majorana and Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum 'Greek' can be grown from seed. The seed is very fine - sow in spring into prepared seed or plug trays, and leave uncovered with a bottom heat of 15°C (60°F).Watering is critical when the seeds are young; keep the compost on the dry side. As the seed is so fine, thin before pricking out to allow the plants to grow. When large enough, either pot on, using a standard seed compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark, or if te soil is warm enough and you have grown them in plugs, plant into the prepared garden.
Cuttings: Apart from the three species mentioned above, the remainder can only be propagated successfully by cuttings or division. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the new growing tips of all the named varieties in spring. Use a standard seed compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark.
Division:A number of varieties form a mat during winter - these lend themselves to division. In spring, or after flowering, dig up a whole clump and pull sections gently away. Each will come away with its own root system, which you can replant as required.
Garden Cultivation: Origanum majorana and Origanum x applii need a sunny garden site and a well drained, dry and preferably chalky soil. Origanum vulgare are hardy and adaptable, and will tolerate most soils as long as they are not waterlogged in winter. Plant gold varieties, such as Origanum vulgare 'Aureum', in some shade to prevent leaves from scorching. A good planting distance is 25cm, or closer if being used as an edging plant.
Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum 'Greek',Greek oregano can be sown from seed...
..but most varieties, including Origanum vulgare 'Polyphant' (above), are best propagated by cuttings or division
Container Growing:Oregano looks great in containers. Use a soil based compost mixed in equal parts with composted fine bark. Make sure they are not over-watered and that the gold and varigated varieties get some shade at midday. Cut back after flowering and give them a liquid fertiliser feed.
Harvesting: Pick leaves whenever available for use fresh. They can be dried or frozen, or be used to make a herb vinegar. The flowers can be dried just as they open, for dried flower arrangements. Origanum 'Kent Beauty' and Origanum dictamnus make particularly stunning dried flowers (though be aware that these are not vulgare and a different species altogether with entirely different properties).
Oregano is one of the best antiseptics, owing to its
high thymol content..
Uses:
Culinary: Marjoram and oregano aid the digestion, and act as an antiseptic and as a preservative. They are among the main ingredients of bouquet garni, and combine well with pizza, meat and tomato dishes, vegetables and milk based desserts. Add oregano, and transform your dish into a flavoursome and aromatic Mediterranean feast.
Medicinal: Oregano is one of the best antiseptics, owing to its high thymol content. Marjoram tea helps to ease bad colds, has a tranquilising effect on nerves, and helps to settle upset stomachs. It also helps to prevent sea sickness.
For temporary relief of toothache, chew the leaf or rub a drop of essential oil on the gums. A few drops of essential oil on the pillow will help you sleep.
Other Uses: Make an infusion, and add to bath water to aid relaxation.
How to Order:
We currently grow 10 varieties
of Origanum vulgare. Some of our favourites are listed below, or use our Search page to see all of the varities grown organically here on the farm.
