Marjoram

Wild Marjoram (Origanum majorana), and Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana).

Perennial herbs usually grown as annuals for their fragrant foliage which is used to flavor dressings and meat dishes.

Sweet Marjoram will grow well in any fertile, well-drained and loamy garden soil. Since the seed is very small, it is best sown in flats in the greenhouse and the seedlings transplanted outside after all danger of frost has passed.

Wild Marjoram is thought to smell more like thyme but will grow well even in poor soil. Although it's leaves are used to flavor some dishes, most chefs do not consider Wild Marjoram as useful as Sweet Marjoram in the kitchen. Wild Marjoram is easily started by seed or root division.

Growing Marjoram

Growing Cultures
Outdoors, containers, hydroponics.

Plant Height
Marjoram grows to a height of 24 to 36 inches (60 - 90cm).

Plant Spacing
Marjoram plants should be spaced 15 to 18 inches (38 - 45cm) apart.

Preferred pH Range
Marjoram will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 6.1 (mildly acidic) and 8.5 (alkaline) with a preferred range between 6.5 and 7.5.

Propagation
From seed, sow indoors six weeks before last frost; or direct sow in fall; or winter sow in coldframe or unheated greenhouse. Propagates well through softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. Propagates well through rootball division.

Seed Germination Period
8 to 14 days.

Seeds Per Gram (Approximate)
3,500.

Soil Requirements
Rich and well-drained, pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Alternative Growing Media
Soilless potting mixes, perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis foam.

Time From Seed to Saleable Plant
Seeds to finished plugs, 6 weeks. Plugs to saleable plant, 2 to 4 weeks.

Sun & Lighting Requirements
Marjoram grown outdoors prefers full sun.

Marjoram will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent , compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage. Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate shorter, sturdier, and more natural plant habit.

USDA Hardiness
6b to 11.

Water Requirements
Water on a regular schedule, do not overwater.

Potential Pests & Diseases
Whitefly, spider mites, thrips. Minimal disease issues.

Special Notes
Marjoram is known to attract bees, butterflies or birds. Evergreen. Aromatic foliage. Suitable for containers.