Istanbul Thyme (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) Agriculture

Istanbul thyme has different ecological characteristics and is grown in many agricultural areas. The plant is resistant to cold weather. In addition, Istanbul thyme can be cultivated in dry agricultural areas that do not have irrigation facilities. However, heavy soils that hold a lot of water are not suitable for the cultivation of this plant. The production of the plant is practically done with seeds. Seedlings obtained from seeds sown in seedling pillows or viols are planted in the field in March-April in spring. Planting density can be made as 45x20 cm or 70x20 cm. Here, the choice of row spacing is made depending on whether an intermediate hoeing machine is used or not. Approximately 8000 seedlings are planted per decare. In the irrigated areas of Istanbul thyme, approximately 500 kg of yield per decare and 250 kg of yield (50% efficiency) can be obtained in dry conditions. It can be harvested twice in irrigated areas and once in dry conditions. In our country, this species is cultivated on an area of approximately 5,000 decares and an annual yield of 1,000 tons is obtained.