Oregano, or wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare) is a popular and valuable seasoning and herb with aromatic leaves. This perennial plant grows 40 - 50 cm tall. From June to September it blooms with charming, white or pink tiny flowers gathered in umbels that are frequently visited by bees. The overground parts of the oregano plant contain an essential oil that is used in the cosmetics and perfume industry. Thanks to its content the whole plant exudes strong, characteristic aroma.

Fresh, dried or frozen oregano leaves are the edible parts. It is one of the most important seasonings in Italian cuisine. It is indispensible in pizzas, pastas, fish, meat, as well as roasted and stewed vegetables. Oregano harmonises with basil, garlic, tomatoes, zucchini and aubergine. Dried oregano leaves are used for medicinal purposes. One prepares infusions with them that act expectorant, regulate the digestion, stimulate appetite, act diastolic and detoxifying on the body. Oregano contains vitamins C, A, E, K and B vitamins.

Oregano is easy in cultivation. You may grow it in garden and on a balcony or a windowsill at home. It requires a sunny, wind-sheltered site. The soil for oregano cultivation needs to be permeable, not too moist, light and with slightly basic reaction - ph 7.2 - 8.5. Standard garden soil should work just fine in container cultivation. Oregano seeds are sown in April, two per hole, in 30 cm spacings. This plant requires consistently moist soil at the sprouting stage. Older plants do not require regular watering. Oregano achieves crop maturity in the period from July to September. You may harvest it once in the first year of cultivation, and trice in the following years. Each year in late spring you should top the oregano shots by one third of their length, in order to stimulate the plant for broader growth.

Package contains 0.5 g of Home Garden oregano seeds, as well as the sow-by date and growing instructions.

• Weight: 0.5 g
• Height: 40 - 50 cm
• Use: fresh or dried as seasoning; medicinal
• Harvest time: July - September
• Flower colour: white, pink
• Vegetation form: perennial
• Flower type: umbels
• Site: permeable, not too moist, light soil with slightly basic reaction