Greek Oregano 

 

Planting – Greek Oregano at the permanent place

can be cultivated in the autumn and spring. Planting

can be done by seed or seedlings. In the autumn

planting is done after the autumn rains, starting from

the mid October until the climatic conditions permit

it. In. Greek Oregano is planted at a distance of 60-70

cm between the rows and at a distance of 25 within a

row. Therefore for 1 ha are needed between 57,000 to

66,000 plants. The distance between rows should be

regulated in such a way to enable the use of the

tillage machines.

Care- Greek Oregano remains in the same surface

for 3-5 years and this crop should be given special

attention, and it is similar as with other perennial

crops, cultivation and hoeing between the rows,

irrigation, etc.

Cultivation and hoeing. With these measures land is

kept loose and free of weeds. This operation is

performed several times depending on the soil

condition, density and weeds. It is performed with

cultivation and hoeing machines between the rows.

Irrigation- Regardless the fact that this plant is

widespread in all dry regions, it reacts extremely

well on irrigation. Irrigation should be performed

after the first mowing, respectively in July and

August and with this will be achieved higher

yields, even it may happen to have three times

mowing (harvest).

Harvesting - Mowing should be performed at the

height where the healthy leaves start, from 4-5 cm.

In the first year is obtained one harvesting and in

the second year up to two harvestings. The first

mowing is done at the end of June and beginning

of July and the second at the end of September and

beginning of October. Mowing should be done in

good and dry weather. Drying is done in natural

way in a dark room with good ventilation, or in the

dryer at temperatures up to 45°C. Out of 4-5 kg of

fresh mass is gained 1kg of above-ground parts of

dry matter.

Yield. In the first year are gained 1000-2000 kg/ha

of the above-ground parts of dry matter. In the

second and subsequent years are gained from

3000-4000 kg/ha. From a hectare of Greek

Oregano can be obtained 30-40 litres of essential

oils.

 

Fotografia 

Greek Oregano – Origanum heracleoticum L.

fam. Lamiaceae

It is merchandized as the above-ground part of the

plant – Origanom herba.

Leaf – Origanum folium

Essential oils – Origanum aetherolum

The Greek Oregano is a perennial herb of green

colour, a subshrub from the family of labials

(Lamiace). Characterized by a very strong and

enormously ramified root system with fine

branches.

The above-ground part is characterized by a large

number of stalks of 60-80cm length, which closer

to the soil surface are woody and often lying down.

Leaves are tiny, 3-4 cm in length, with short

petioles, while the flowers are white to yellowish

and the whole plant has a pleasant flavour. The

plant stands well the mowing. The Greek Oregano

remains in the same area from 3-5 years.

Chemical Composition

The Greek Oregano contains 1-1.5% essential oils.

Oregano is used especially as a spice in the

kitchen.

Terms of Success

Climate- It is a hot climate plant, the sunny

terrains suit it the most. Towards heat and light

have very high demands, and it can be

cultivated throughout our country.

Soil- Greek Oregano has no special

requirements in terms of soil type, nevertheless

succeeds the best in fertile, loose and deep soils.

Soils with high humidity are not desirable.

Cultivation

Plants Rotation- As many other perennial crops

also Greek Oregano is not subject to the plants

rotation. Oregano remains in the same plot for

3-5 years. As preceding crop are suitable crops

leaving the soil loose (hoed crops). It cannot be

cultivated at the same plot without a break of at

least three years with cultivation of other crops.

Tillage – Land for cultivation should be

ploughed as deep as possible,

immediately after the harvest of the

preceding crop. Ploughing should be

done at 35 cm depth if possible, and

then the soil is pulverized and

levelled.