Marjoram

Marjoram, a close relative of oregano, is about 2 feet high with a soft, sweet fragrance and pleasant flavor. It is used as a flavoring for peas, pork, and sausage. The gray-green colored foliage provides an interesting color contrast in borders.  

300 seeds

PLANTING

Origanum majorana

Perennial, zones 6-9

Germination:  7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth:  Sow on the surface, press into soil; seeds need light to germinate

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperatures for germination. Sow a few seeds per individual cell or pot or start in a 20-row tray, then transplant into larger cells/pots/containers. Transplant outside after the last frost, 12" apart.

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow in mid-spring in a well-prepared bed. Sow a few seeds every 4-6”. Thin to 12” apart.

Growth Habit: Upright, spreading foliage

Height and Width: 12-24” x 12-18” 

Spacing:  12” apart   

Light Needs: Full sun 

Soil Needs: Average to fertile, well-drained

Flowering: 80-90 days

Harvest: Fresh or dried. Leaves/sprigs- starting when foliage is large enough, 4-6”. Entire plant- before it flowers. The strongest flavor is right before the plant flowers. Drying- hang in bunches, out of direct sunlight, in a warm, well-ventilated area.  

Uses: Culinary, Edible flowers, Containers, Borders, Attracts bees and beneficials                

Care: Pinch off flowers to prolong the harvest. Pinch back foliage for a bushier plant. Overwatering, extended heavy rain, and humidity can cause the roots to rot.