200 Pcs Organic Wild (P028) Marjoram Plant Seeds- Oregano Wild Marjoram-ORIGANUM MARJORANA- Non GMO
Oregano is a must-have in a culinary garden. Its pungent, spicy, slightly bitter flavor pairs well with almost any vegetable preparation. And just as easy to grow as chives, oregano is another go-to for a first-time gardener.
Wild marjoram is a bushy, hardy perennial plant growing as high as two feet with creeping roots, opposite leaves, and purplish stems with pinkish-purple flowers.
It is native to temperate Western and Southwestern Eurasia and the Mediterranean region. Oregano is a perennial herb, growing from 20–80 cm tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm long. The flowers are purple, 3–4 mm long, produced in erect spikes.
Scientific name: Origanum Marjorana
Higher classification: Oreganos
Botanical description: wild marjoram belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is a fragrant perennial plant with woody rhizome. Its stem grows approx. 50 cm high. The opposite leaves are 3-5 cm long, oval, tipped at one side. The umbrelliferous flowers compose a fake umbrella on the top of the stem. It blooms from June to September.
History: It is known since antiquity. Dioscorides used wild marjoram in order to enhance appetite. In the Middle Ages it was used for pursuing witches and devils. Saint Hildegard suggested oregano against leprosy. In China it is used for ages against fever, puke, diarrhea, jaundice and itchy skin diseases. The Hungarian botanist, Méliusz Juhász Péter mentioned wild marjoram, under the names of „gyopár”, „varga majoránna”, „vargák füve” already in the 16th century.
Uses of Wild Marjoram Plant:
These familiar aromatic culinary herbs are also medicinal herbs. The genus name comes from the Greek, oros and ganos, meaning joy of the mountain, an allusion to the beautiful sight and scent of aromatic, pale purple, wild marjoram flowers covering hillsides. The ancient Greeks revered these herbs. When either appeared on a grave it was an indication that the departed was happy and at peace. Young couples in love were crowned with sweet marjoram, and the goddess Demeter is often depicted wearing a crown of wild marjoram on her head. Commonly used as strewing herbs, marjoram and oregano have been valued as furniture polish, purple dye, beer flavoring, and for their aromatic oils.
Sweet marjoram's antispasmodic properties eliminate menstrual cramps and nausea often associated with menstruation. It is a well-known emmenagogue. I make a strong infusion of dried marjoram leaves and flowers, drinking two to four cups throughout the day. Mildly tonic to the digestive system, and carminative, marjoram also relieves stomach upset and baby's colic.
The infusion acts as a vasodilator and can help lower high blood pressure. To help relieve nervous headache, wise women drink a cup of marjoram infusion or place an oregano compress on their forehead. Add either one fresh to your bath to relieve pain and encourage relaxation.
Grandmothers make marjoram liniment by tincturing the freshly gathered leaves and flowers in witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. Liberal use increases circulation and relieves the pain in swollen rheumatic joints. I've applied a warm poultice of fresh oregano on muscle spasms, sprains, and stains. Infused oil of marjoram makes a superior sports massage oil, especially when combined with St. John's
It has slightly spasmodic effects, antiseptic, appetite enhancer, expectorant and good for neurotic headache, joint gout, and able to lose stiff neck and shoulder muscles. A few leaves help with toothache. It is the medicine of the weak stomach, disinfects digestive system, effective against gastrospasm, helps the function of liver. Externally can be used for rinsing the throat, inhalation, in bath has relaxing effect, assures calm sleep.
Wild marjoram in traditional medicine: It is used for inflammation of the respiratory tract thanks to its spasmodic and expectorant effects. It is also a widely used condiment. In Transylvania it was used to paint red wool. According to traditional beliefs wild marjoram keeps away the devil and chases away demons.
Drinking:
It can be used as an infusion. Pour 2,5 dl boiling water on one teaspoon of dry wild marjoram and keep it covered for 15 minutes, then strain the infusion. Let it cooling for another 10-15 minutes, then drink it. In order to enhance appetite, drink one cup of tea daily before breakfast. One cup of wild marjoram tea half an hour before going to sleep works as a good depressant.
Externally: use as a compress for rheumatic pains or aching neck. Cover crashed leaves into a canvas, warm them up on the lid of boiling water and then place it on the aching body part. Its tea and volatile oil can be used rubbed into the skin.
The wild marjoram stimulates women’s period. It is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding! Its tea helps starting birth if consumed at the end of the pregnancy (if it’s time to give birth)!
Planting Condition:
Where to Plant: Oregano is one of those plants that looks beautiful planted in the landscaping or along a path. It is a "garden anchor" that comes back every spring, providing height and dimension within the garden. Oregano also grows well in containers, so if you live in a high-rise apartment or have a limited growing space, it is a great option. Oregano also performs well indoors, when given enough light and warmth.
Where: Oregano is one of those plants that looks beautiful planted in the landscaping or along a path. It is a "garden anchor" that comes back every spring, providing height and dimension within the garden. Oregano also grows well in containers, so if you live in a high-rise apartment or have a limited growing space, it is a great option. Oregano also performs well indoors, when given enough light and warmth.
When: You can grow oregano by planting from seed, by dividing, or from a cutting taken from a healthy, established plant. When planting from seed, plant seeds outdoors about six weeks before the last frost. If you are planting a cutting or transplanting a seedling or small plant, make sure the ground temperature is at least 70°F.
How to Cultivate Oregano
Soil: Plant oregano in light fast-draining soil. Oregano actually grows better in the moderately fertile soil, so no fertilization or addition of compost is necessary. I let my oregano do what it does on its own. My only complaint might be that I can't keep up with the harvest!
Sun: Oregano performs well in part to full sun, but the flavors intensify when it receives a full day of sunshine. Oregano will grow well indoors, but it is important that the plant receives adequate heat and sunshine in order to grow.
Water: Don't over water oregano. Water thoroughly, only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Spacing: Plant oregano eight to 10 inches apart in your garden. Oregano grows up to two feet tall and spans about 18 inches across. If you are planting oregano in a container, be sure the pot is about 12 inches in diameter; oregano is a prolific grower. If you're limited on space, read this post on creating a small-space kitchen herb garden.
Companion planting: Oregano is a great companion plant to almost anything, so don't worry about planting it next to something it won't get along with. I plant oregano alongside my tomatoes and peppers. Oregano keeps away a tomato's archenemy, aphids, by means of predation. Aphids actually love oregano, but oregano also attracts syrphidae (flower flies), which then dine upon the small bugs. Oregano's thick foliage also provides humidity, which supports peppers' growth.
Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Harvesting Marjoram
• Attracts beneficial insects and butterflies; excellent in soups, sauces, salads, and meat dishes
• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, then plant outdoors after soil and air temps have warmed
• Grows in almost any type of soil with minimal watering
• Start harvesting 5-6 weeks after transplanting
• Prevent attacks from aphids, spider mites and mildew by providing good air circulation
• Germination: Will germinate in about 14-21 days
• Temperature: Ideal temperature is 16-21 C (61-70 F)
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Maturity: 70-90 days from seed
Height: 12 to 24 inches
Spacing: 8 to 12 inches apart
Sow seed 1.5cm (¾”) deep in pots or trays on the surface of moist seed compost and cover with a sprinkling of finely sieved compost. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 16-21C (61-70F) or seal inside a clear polythene bag until germination which takes 14 - 21 days.
When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3") pots and grow on in cooler conditions. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise oregano plants to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting outdoors. Plant oregano at a distance of 30cm (12”) apart on any well drained or chalky soil in full sun.