Oregano and Marjoram: Similarities and Differences

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Contents:

Marjoram;
Origanum vulgare;
Best of worthy;

These two plants are similar in many ways. But let’s look at the differences that give them personality.

Origanum majorana and Origanum vulgare are closely related to the genus Oregano, which includes more than 40 species. Often, however, the plant of the same species is sold under different names. Not escaped this fate and our spicy heroes: oregano can often be seen on the shelves called marjoram, and Vice versa. Some even believe that it is the same plant. And they are mistaken!

So if you are eager to expand your collection of representatives of the fragrant genus, we advise you to first get acquainted with the Botanical names of different species and focus on them when buying. Let’s “find the 5 differences” between majoran and oregano.

Marjoram

Marjoram is a true southerner. He needs a lot of heat — much more than oregano. Actually, that is why in our latitudes perennial grown only as annuals. As with plants, you can cut the cuttings, root them in the winter to leave the room.

1. The sowing of marjoram is started in may (the temperature for germination of seeds is +18…+20°C). At the same time they need only slightly sprinkle with sand (germinate in the light!).

2. Later seedlings groups of 3-5 copies are transplanted into separate pots, otherwise the plants will begin to displace each other.

In a place protected from the wind marjoram appear powerful shoots. Seedlings can be planted in the open ground after June 10.

Left: in a sheltered place from the wind marjoram appear powerful shoots. Right: Oregano is less sensitive to cold. Its pink-red flowers exude a strong spicy aroma, and the smell of fresh leaves is more moderate.

Origanum vulgare

Well, oregano grows in the wild, is hardy and winters perfectly without any shelter. However, it is for local herbs. Many, especially southern countries, have their own regional subspecies of oregano, and they all have a completely different flavor. These representatives of flora are as thermophilic as marjoram. If desired, they can be dug up in the fall, transplanted into pots and put in a bright room. Except that Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum can spend the winter in the garden.

Origanum in Greek means “decoration of mountains”. And in the midst of summer oregano fully justifies its big name, captivating fragrant pale pink tubular flowers in purple bracts.

Dwarf Origanum vulgare ‘Compactum’ grows in a compact Bush and blooms from July to September.

What unites oregano with marjoram is the fact that the characteristic taste and smell of these herbs get only in a completely Sunny place. Oregano feels great in partial shade, but here it grows more like a lovely groundcover, but essential oils it accumulates very little.

All members of the genus Oregano feel great on marginal soils, and with an excess of nutrients, on the contrary, grow worse and more often suffer from fungal diseases. In the garden in the spring is enough to make compost-this food is enough for the whole summer season. The lack of” food ” can be diagnosed by the color of the lower leaves: if they are yellow, then the plants are starving. In this case, add a little liquid organic fertilizer to the water for watering or seal a little cornmeal into the soil around the bushes. Watering herbs should be except in severe drought.

For cooking, you can pick whole stems or just the leaves. Do you want to dry herbs for the future? In July, the day before or during flowering, cut branches 5 cm above ground level and spread in a shady, well-ventilated place.