Planting and Growing Guide for Sweet Marjoram, or Knotted Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Description
Sweet Marjoram is related to Oregano and has similar uses. It is a favorite herbs because of its delicate fragrance. It can be sown directly into the soil, but the seeds are tiny, and require a very fine covering of soil and must be kept moist to germinate. It is easier to sow in seed trays or small peat pots and to plant out as seedlings. Sweet Marjoram also does very well in pots and containers. Sweet Marjoram is a warm weather plant and does poorly in cold weather. So growing the plants in pots means they can be moved into sheltered areas in winter.
Plant sweet marjoram in the Spring after the last frost date. Sweet marjoram is slow-growing, so you will want to start early with young plants started indoors. Plant the seedlings about 25 cm (12 inches) apart in full sun in rich, well-drained soil.
Sweet Marjoram has a mild flavor rather like oregano, with a hint of balsam. It can be used to replace oregano in sauces used for Mediterranean dishes such as Sweet Marjoram, also known as Knotted Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Sweet Marjoram is related to Oregano and has similar uses. It is a favorite herbs because of its delicate fragrance. It can be sown directly into the soil, but the seeds are tiny, and require a very fine covering of soil and must be kept moist to germinate. It is easier to sow in seed trays or small peat pots and to plant out as seedlings. Sweet Marjoram also does very well in pots and containers. Sweet Marjoram is a warm weather plant and does poorly in cold weather. So growing the plants in pots means they can be moved into sheltered areas in winter.
Plant sweet marjoram in the Spring after the last frost date. Sweet marjoram is slow-growing, so you will want to start early with young plants started indoors. Plant the seedlings about 25 cm (12 inches) apart in full sun in rich, well-drained soil.
Sweet Marjoram has a mild flavor rather like oregano, with a hint of balsam. It can be used to replace oregano in sauces used for Mediterranean dishes such as lasagna, pizza and eggplant parmigiana. It is also widely used as a garnish for salads, baked pies and flans and a variety of meat dishes.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed directly into the garden at a depth of 5 mm (1/4 inch). But, it is better to sow into seed trays and to plant out after 4-6 weeks.
Space between plants: Allow about 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) between plants, with a 40 cm (15 inch) space between rows
Harvest Time: Harvest in 8-10 weeks. However, you can harvest the leaves and shoots continuously. Plant extra Sweet Marjoram seedlings so that you can pick stems as the plants grow
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun, but can be grown in partial shade in warmer areas
- Will grow in a range of soil types, except for heavy clay soils
- Prefers a rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH (6.7 and 7.0)
- Feed regularly and add compost around the plants to provide a mulch layer to keep the soil moist and to provide a source of nutrients.
- Water frequently, especially in hot weather
- Ensure maximum flavor by growing the plants quickly and avoiding growth checks.
- Plant enough seed so that you can continuously harvest shoots and leaves as the plants grow
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!