Origano Prostrato

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Origanum

Species

vulgare

Description

A perennial herb appreciated as an aromatic in gastronomy as well as in the herbal and cosmetic fields for its leaves with their pleasant scent and intense flavour.

It is bushy in habit and has abundant branching; it is easily cultivated both in the open field and in pots, guaranteeing full sun exposure and adequate irrigation in relation to the climatic conditions.

Variety description

Less common variety compared to the classic one but very interesting mainly due to the fact that it is much more aromatic and there are differences in the edible part such as the shape of the leaves being more round. It is a very simple plant to grow and very widely used in the culinary field. It adapts to different types of soil and does not require excessive cultivation care. Meet the light requirements of the plant.

Curiosities and special features

The leaves, which are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E with antioxidant properties, are widely used in Italian cooking for the preparation of the typical tomato sauce or pizza, but also in stews, soups, vinegars, dressings and vegetables, giving them an accent with unmistakable taste notes.

Origin and distribution

A species native to Europe and central and southern Asia, its leaves were already used by the ancient Romans to flavour dishes and for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Today present throughout the world with varieties that differ in the taste and flavour of the foliage.

Flower size

Flower individually is Medium in size.

Leaf

The leaf blade appears elongated, oval.

Fruit

The leaf is round and seedless, with a tender texture and a weight of a G. It is very fragrant with an aromatic and intense flavour, characterised by a strong and penetrating aroma, while the taste remains delicate. Ripening takes place throughout the year. The skin is not edible and the colouring is uniform. The variety is characterised by good organoleptic characteristics, with good shelf life and overall good quality.

Flowering period

Flowering occurs in early to mid-summer for a duration of 25 to 30 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence corymb.

Leaf colour

Unicolour shades.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.4 to 1 m.

Lifespan

Perennial plant.

Where to plant

Versatile in use, it is cultivated as an aromatic herbaceous plant for flower beds, balconies, large pots, open field, terraces, outdoor tubs

Stem

Woody stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is shaped with a labiate or bilabiate corolla of medium size and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized corymbal inflorescences. It flowers from early to mid-summer, with a flowering period of between 25 and 30 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium to vigorous growing oregano variety.

Plant habit

The plant develops a bushy habit with dense, thick foliage.

Branching

The abundant branching gives added value to the plant, which, with the right cultivation care, will guarantee an excellent level of production.

PH

The optimal soil pH range is relatively wide, between 6.0 and 9.0, varying from slightly acidic to alkaline.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into a bed or open field, dig up the soil 20/30 cm deep, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues from previous crops, then bury organic-mineral fertiliser, which will provide the nutrients needed in the plant's early stages of development, and break up the more compact clods with a hoe to obtain softer soil and improve fertiliser distribution. In order to optimise the drainage of excess water, thus preventing harmful water stagnation, proceed by creating a raised flower bed by slightly bouldering the soil, and then carefully level the surface.

During the growing season, use special tools such as a hoe to loosen the soil on the surface to eliminate weeds within the planting area and break up any surface crust.

Sun exposure

Expose the plant out of the wind in full sun, afternoon sun in order to obtain the best vegetative growth results with an abundant final foliage production.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 22 °C for better vegetative growth followed by high productivity.

Use

For its intensely flavoured leaves, the oregano plant is appreciated in a wide range of uses such as:

Agribusiness Cosmetic Medicinal/phytotherapeutic field Profumeristic field Aromatics

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness; prefers sunny exposures in soil free of waterlogging.

Soil

Oregano adapts to different soil conditions, however, the ideal soil is medium-textured, i.e. defined by a correct proportion between the different textural classes, as well as well draining and endowed with organic substance; for use in tubs, a horticultural soil containing blond and brown peat is recommended.

Difficulty

Cultivation of the specific variety is easy with an overall low level of management effort.

Growing tips

Below are some cultivation measures aimed at obtaining the best growth performance of the variety:

Balanced fertilisation Put outside when there is no longer a risk of frost Correct pruning

Intercropping/combination

Crop intercropping with radish is recommended.

Planting

At the time of transplanting ensure correct spacing between each individual specimen to allow optimum vigour of growth by adopting an average density of 9 plants per square metre. We suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding sinking the root ball completely, which must be well moistened; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Pruning

Make a clean cut in the first year of cultivation to stimulate tillering and head enlargement, then cut at a height of at least 6 cm to allow the plant to grow back well.

It is also advisable to remove dry vegetative portions inside the plant.

Propagation

Reproduction can be by seed, rhizome division, offshoot or cutting. If one decides to propagate the plant by rhizome division, it is advisable to proceed in the autumn period, while propagation by seed takes place in the spring.

Repotting

Repotting in spring or at the end of winter in a larger pot with suitable soil if the plant shows stunted growth with poor root development.

Watering

Oregano has low water requirements, however it is important to water the plant by preventing dry spells, particularly in hot and dry periods. Use rainwater, alternatively from the aqueduct or canal, either by hand or by drip-wing irrigation or sub-irrigation.

When transplanting, carry out an initial abundant wetting and assist the seedling to ensure it adapts properly to its new site without causing water stagnation.

Afterwards, keep the soil or substrate slightly damp, allowing it to dry slightly between one watering and the next without causing desiccation; it is also advisable to water the aerial part of the plant during the morning and irrigate after the harvest cut.

In the case of sowing, after completely burying the seed and covering it with substrate and non-woven fabric, keep the soil wet until the sprout emerges.

Fertilising

For oregano, nutritional requirements are not particularly high, but it is important to help the seedling grow, especially during the early stages of development. In the pre-transplant soil preparation phase, bury organo-mineral fertiliser to provide the nutrients the seedling needs in the very early stages of growth. Later, during the vegetative period, apply specific water-soluble fertiliser for horticulture to the soil or substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the dosages and frequencies indicated on the label of the product to be used; in general, carry out constant fertilisation over time without exceeding quantities or causing possible deficiencies in the plant.

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity for pets not known. Consider the specific case.

Edibility for humans

Leafs are edible.

Toxicity for humans

The leaves, in suitable quantities, do not cause toxicity by ingestion; consider the specific case for possible intolerance or contraindication of intake.

Tip

In the first year of cultivation, it is advisable to make a topping, a single cut, in order to have more tillering and enlargement of the head for subsequent cuts.