Greek Oregano - Pizza Oregano [Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum]

The perennial Greek oregano is a heat-loving, winter-hardy and drought-tolerant spice and medicinal plant. A world-famous typical spice for pizza and sauces. Versatile in relieving inflammation in the body and has a digestive and antibacterial effect. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the flower buds and leaves.

 Description 
Greek oregano is a perennial spice and medicinal plant and grows wild mainly in Greece, but also in Cyprus, North Macedonia and Turkey. The heat-loving, hardy and drought-tolerant plant supports many ways of relieving inflammation in the body and has a digestive and antibacterial effect. The rich essential oil, with its particularly intense aroma, has a very positive effect on the psyche. The shallow root system makes oregano also suitable for green roofs. This species is the well-known typical spice for pizza and sauces and retains its aroma even when heated. The white flowers attract many insects.

 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 -28°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, sandy, loamy, humus

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: 14-28 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 out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Greek oregano ideally prefers a soil that is nutrient-rich, dry to moist and permeable, containing sand, clay and humus. It 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 
Loosened soil is sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum
English names: Greek Oregano
German names: Griechischer Oregano
Portuguese names: Orégano Grego
Spanish names: Orégano griego
French names: Origan grec

 Origin 
Country: Portugal