Marjoram and oregano are close cousins. Their names, however, should be treated very conventionally as collective terms, referring to many varieties, species and subspecies.From a botanical point of view, both plants are marjoram.Despite their relationship, we will notice many differences between them, not only in appearance.
Marjoram (garden marjoram, marjoram) is grown here as an annual plant due to the fact that it is not adapted to wintering on a flower bed.Seedlings are produced under glass and planted in the ground in mid-May.We start harvesting the herb shortly before flowering, cutting the twigs approx.5 cm above the ground.
Oregano (common marjoram) is available in many more varieties, hybrids, and therefore has a much richer bouquet of aromas.In the wild, the common marjoram can grow in luminous partial shade.However, it is a plant that has more ornamental than spice qualities, it works perfectly, among others in carpet plantings.
Fertilize all species of marjoram in moderation. In the vegetable garden, it is enough to add compost once at the beginning of the season. It's best to keep an eye on the plants and react immediately if necessary. It is worth knowing that malnutrition is manifested by yellowing of the lower leaves first.When we notice discoloration, we use organic liquid fertilizer ad hoc, which we mix with water for irrigation.
Fertilize sensitively, so as not to overstrain the plants, which results in the shoots softening and becoming susceptible to fungal diseases. leaves. Shoots for drying, both marjoram and oregano, should be cut in June, shortly before or during flowering. Cut the shoots about 5 cm above the ground.
If the weather is good, the plants will bounce again and the herb can be harvested for the second time in September.
All Origanum species mature well in warm places in full sun.The 'Liguria' marjoram is one of the more resistant varieties, yet it should be planted into the ground only after cold gardeners.Very aromatic and, at the same time, winter-hardy, it is the so-called Greek maroon Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (another name for Origanum heracleoticum).
Virtually all species / varieties grown here are suitable for drying. Marjoram retains its strong, sweetish aroma. Oregano is more spicy. However, this does not apply to flowers, from which you can brew tea with fragrant fruit. Herbs are suitable for a flower bed, flowerbed and pots.
1. Origanum x majoricum is a hybrid of garden marjoram (marjoram marjoram) and oregano (common marjoram). The species combines the winter hardiness and growth of oregano with the aroma of marjoram.
2. Garden marjoram is a popular addition to the so-called chill soups and fatty meats. The herbal tea has a calming effect. In Italy, soft seed capsules are also used for seasoning.
3. Majorana onites 'French' is a French variety of the primary species growing in the Mediterranean. Shrubs are able to withstand short-term temperature drops down to -5 ° C.
4. Poliomintha longif.webplora (the so-called Mexican oregano) is highly decorative. It blooms for a long time with red-pink flowers with a slightly spicy aroma and flavor.
5. Origanum heracleoticum (the so-called Greek marjoram) is strongly aromatic. It is this species that is used in Italy as an irreplaceable pizza seasoning.
6. The arugula Origanum vulgare 'Thumbles Variety' has yellow glossy leaves. The variety can also grow in semi-shaded places.
Oregano can be grown in one position for several years. With age, however, the bushes lose their vitality and sprout young leaves only in the outer part of the crown or individually on the shoots. Such a weakening of development is a signal for replanting the plants.For this purpose, divide the he althy part of the dug-out root ball with a spade and place it in new places.Remove diseased and dead shoots from them first.
Herbs can also be propagated by green cuttings. For this purpose, we take fragments of shoots from he althy shoots, which we root in pots with sandy soil. We plant them on the target site in the spring of next year.