Wild Italian Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perennial culinary herb that is native to Italy and is also grown for its aromatic pink and purple flowers. Compared to the standard Oregano, the Wild Italian Oregano requires warmer temperatures but the flavour is more intense and the flowers contain a stronger scent.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
Sometimes referred to as just Wild Oregano or Wild Sicilian Oregano, this variety of Oregano is widely grown throughout the Mediterranean region where the natives enjoy are more robust flavour. As an added bonus, it produces a wider variety of flowers in Spring and a stronger aroma.
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Growth
Wild Italian Oregano is a perennial herb that grows no higher than 40cm (16 inches) by around 50cm (20 inches) in width. Unlike normal Oregano which can tolerate frosts and freezing temperatures, the Wild Italian Oregano requires temperatures to remain above 8°C / 45°F.
In colder climates, it is recommended to grow this variety in containers so that they can be moved for protection during cold spells or if there is a potential for frost.
Wild Italian Oregano loves warmer climates and can be ready to harvest in 90-100 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
8-30°C / 45-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 40cm (16 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 50cm (20 inches)
pH:
6.0-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
90-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
8-14 days at temperatures between 18-25°C / 65-77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 9500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT ORIGANUM VULGARE (Wild Italian Oregano)
Wild Italian Oregano is a wild variety of Oregano that is said to be first cultivated in the Sicilian region of Italy.
