How to Grow Marjoram
Sweet Marjoram
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Why grow marjoram?
Marjoram is easy-to-grow herb and an excellent addition to your garden or container. Its warm, sweet flavor enhances various dishes, from salads to meats and mushrooms. It also attracts beneficial insects like butterflies, serving as a companion plant. This low-maintenance herb tolerates drought and grows slowly to provide ground cover. Plus, it maintains its full flavor even when dried, offering a convenient seasoning option.
The following is a list of reasons why you should grow marjoram now:
- Flavor: Marjoram is popular in the kitchen as seasoning for numerous dishes. It has a warm, sweet taste that makes it one of the best culinary herbs. You can try it in vinegar, salads, and sauces or add it to dishes with meat, fish, pasta, or mushrooms.
- Fragrance: Marjoram plants attract butterflies and other beneficial garden insects. They are ideal for companion plantings.
- Ease of growth: Marjoram is an easy-to-grow herb that is well-suited for containers and the garden. It grows slowly and eventually becomes a spreading ground cover.
- Drought tolerance: Established marjoram plants require little care other than occasional watering and are tolerant of drought, making them exceptional plants for beginner herb growers.
- Versatility: Marjoram keeps its full flavor even when dried, so it is a beneficial herb to have on hand. Drying the leaves allows you to preserve and store them whole or crush or grind them for seasoning.
Marjoram in Landscaping
Marjoram Allegory
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen In The Med
When using this herb in landscaping, Remember to furnish each plant with 12 inches (about 30 cm) of space and place them in an area that receives full sun. Regular feedings with a continuous-release fertilizer throughout the growing season benefit marjoram.
Marjoram is a suitable plant for landscaping, and you can use it in many different ways. It has many benefits.
- Ground Cover: Some varieties, like Mounding Marjoram and Creeping Golden Marjoram, can be attractive ground covers. These varieties have a low-growing, spreading habit, making them ideal for covering large areas. They can also be a lawn substitute, providing a fragrant and visually appealing alternative to traditional grass lawns.
- Edging Plant: Marjoram can be used as an edging plant in garden beds or along pathways. Its neat growth pattern and attractive leaves make it an ideal selection for marking the edges of garden spaces.
- Container Gardens: Due to its tidy size and drought-tolerant nature, marjoram is a natural choice for container gardens. You can grow it with other herbs or vegetables or with low-maintenance flowers.
- Rock Gardens: Marjoram’s ability to thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens.
- Companion Planting: Marjoram is a good companion plant as it stimulates growth in the plants around it. People plant it virtually anywhere in the garden, and its flowers attract bees and other pollinator insects, improving the pollination rate of all marjoram companion plants.
- Attracting Beneficial Insects: Marjoram’s flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, which can help with pest control in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Marjoram’s gray-green foliage and summertime sprays of white flowers add visual interest to the garden. You can place them in the middle of the border, herb gardens, or container gardens.
- Fragrance: Marjoram releases a pleasant aroma, especially when flowering, which improves a garden’s sensory appeal.
Marjoram Varietals
Sweet Marrjoram
The Origanum genus contains approximately 20 different species of marjoram, and within these species, there are numerous varieties and cultivars, raising the number even further.
These are the most famous Marjoram varietals. It can vary in your area.
- Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is the most commonly grown variety. It has velvety gray-green leaves and a sweet, mild flavor.
Pot Marjoram
- Pot or Cretan Marjoram (Origanum onites) This variety is less famous than others, but it is one of the three main types of marjoram.
Wild Marjoram
- Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare): This variety is renowned as a dried herb. While wild marjoram is also known as common oregano, there are critical differences between the two herbs in appearance, flavor, hardiness, and their uses.
Variegated Marjoram
- Variegated Marjoram (Origanum majorana “Variegata”) This variety has yellow-green variegated foliage with creamy white edges. You will find it as an ornamental plant.
Knotted Marjoram
- Knotted Marjoram (Origanum majorana) This variety is basically sweet marjoram; knotted marjoram refers to the tightly clustered flower buds that resemble small knots.
Fresh Marjoram
- Mounding Marjoram (Origanum x majoricum) This variety is a low-growing, spreading plant ideal for use as a ground cover. It produces white to pink flowers at the end of summer.
Golden Marjoram
- Golden Marjoram (Origanum vulgare “Aureum”) This variety resembles Mounding Marjoram but has golden-yellow foliage. It produces pink to purple flowers.
How to How to Grow Marjoram in Gardens and Containers
Marjoram
You can grow it in both, but consider the different requirements.
Growing Marjoram in Gardens:
Preparation
Before you plant marjoram, check your soil to see if it needs any fertilizer or changes. Marjoram likes fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.7 to 7.0. Mixing in some well-decomposed compost is an excellent plan to loosen the soil and give it nutrients before you plant.
Planting
You can grow marjoram from seeds or plant seedlings. If you’re using seeds, it’s wise to start them indoors during late winter or early spring.
Plant the seeds just under the soil surface. Once the risk of frost is gone, you can transfer the young plants outdoors.
Marjoram likes sunny places with well-draining soil. When planting, space the plants about 12 inches or 30 cm apart in a sunny spot.
Care
Once marjoram plants are well-established, they’re low-maintenance except for periodic watering. To know when to water, check the soil’s moisture every few days and water it when the soil’s top inch (about 2.5 cm) is dry.
After marjoram is fully grown in the ground, it can handle dry conditions and typically doesn’t need extra watering. For optimal growth, it should be regularly fed water-soluble plant food.
If you choose to fertilize your plant, use a liquid herb-specific blend once a month, following the instructions on the packaging.
Pruning and Harvesting
Ensure you trim the plants when you see buds (before they turn into flowers) to help them keep growing. After they’ve bloomed in early summer, cut the stems to encourage fresh growth.
You can start harvesting sweet marjoram leaves about 4 to 6 weeks after you’ve planted them. The flavor is at its peak before the flowers open up.
And remember, marjoram is a delicate perennial, so if it gets too cold and freezes, it can seriously harm or even kill the plants.
If you live in a cool climate, consider growing marjoram in a container and bringing it indoors during winter.
Sweet Marjoram
Growing Marjoram in Containers:
Cultivating marjoram indoors is quite simple. Its strong resistance to drought makes it an ideal pick for herb gardening beginners. Place it on a sunny windowsill or a well-ventilated balcony, and your plant will flourish, providing fresh marjoram leaves to enhance the taste of your dishes.
Preparation
Select a container at least 6 inches (about 15 cm) wide and ensure it has holes to drain excess water.
Fill the container with a well-draining mix of compost that doesn’t contain peat, and add coarse grit or perlite, making up to 25 percent of the volume.
Planting
You can grow marjoram from seeds or plant seedlings. If you’re using seeds, it’s usually a good idea to begin indoors in late winter or early spring.
Plant the seeds just under the soil surface. Once the risk of frost is gone, you can move the young plants outside.
Care
Mature marjoram plants are low-maintenance and need only occasional watering. To know when to water, check the soil moisture every few days and water when the soil’s top inch (about 2.5 cm) dries out.
Once marjoram is well-established in the ground, it can handle dry conditions and usually doesn’t need extra watering. To ensure your plant thrives, regularly use a water-soluble plant food.
If you choose to fertilize, use a liquid blend designed for herbs and follow the instructions on the packaging, feeding your plant once a month.
Pruning and Harvesting
To keep your plants growing well, trim them when you see buds before they turn into flowers. After they bloom in early summer, cut the stems to encourage new growth.
You can start collecting sweet marjoram leaves about 4 to 6 weeks after planting. The flavor is at its best before the flowers open up.
10 Tips for Growing marjoram
Sweet Marjoram
- Choose the suitable variety: There are three main types of marjoram: sweet, pot, and wild. Select the one that best fits your requirements.
- Prepare the soil: Marjoram likes fertile soil that drains well, with a pH between 6.7 and 7.0. Before you plant it, mix in some compost to ease the soil and add nutrients.
- Start from seeds or seedlings: You can begin growing marjoram from seeds or by moving young plants. When using seeds, plant them just under the soil’s surface. If you’re working with seedlings, transplant them outdoors after the frost danger has disappeared.
- Plant in full sun: Place your Marjoram in spots with plenty of sunlight and soil that drains well.
- Space plants properly: Plant the Marjoram 12 inches or 30 cm apart in a sunny area.
- Water regularly: Check the soil moisture regularly every few days. When the soil’s top inch (about 2.5 cm) is dry, it’s time to water. Once marjoram is well-established in the ground, it can handle dry conditions and usually doesn’t require extra watering.
- Feed regularly: While marjoram is generally sturdy and self-sufficient, consider giving it a half-strength fertilizer every few weeks in the early part of the growing season.
- Prune regularly: To keep your plants growing well, trim them when you see buds but before they bloom into flowers. Cut the stems to encourage new growth after they’ve flowered in early summer.
- Harvest at the right time: Gather sweet marjoram leaves about 4 to 6 weeks after planting. Harvest the shoots before the flowers begin to open for the tastiest flavor.
- Protect from frost: Marjoram is a sensitive perennial; if it gets too cold and freezes, it can seriously harm or kill the plants. If you’re in a colder area, think about planting marjoram in a container you can bring inside during winter.
Is marjoram safe for pets?
Drying bundles of marjoram and oregano in the sun
According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), marjoram is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats.
Thujone, a compound found in the plant’s leaves and stems, can cause neurological symptoms like seizures, a slower heart rate, and reduced blood sugar levels.
Here are some tips to keep your pets safe around marjoram:
- Keep marjoram out of reach: Keep marjoram and other harmful plants away from pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Monitor your pets: Monitor your pets for signs of marjoram toxicity, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
- Consult a veterinarian: If your pet has consumed marjoram, immediately contact your veterinarian.
- Avoid marjoram oil: Marjoram oil is mildly toxic to dogs when ingested, but it can be used topically or in aromatherapy for anxiety and skin conditions.
- Use caution with herbs and spices: While many herbs and spices are safe for pets, some can be toxic. Always research the safety of herbs and spices before giving them to your pets.
Pruning Marjoram
Pruning Shears
Pruning Marjoram
Why Prune Marjoram?
- Encourages Bushier Growth: Pruning helps marjoram plants grow bushier and fuller, leading to more leaves and a healthier plant.
- Prevents Legginess: Regular trimming prevents the plant from becoming leggy and maintains a compact shape.
- Boosts Flavor: Pruning stimulates new growth, which tends to have a more intense flavor, enhancing culinary uses.
- Prolongs Lifespan: Removing old, woody stems and spent flowers revitalizes the plant and extends its productive life.
- Improves Air Circulation: Pruning enhances air circulation, reducing the risk of diseases and pests.
When to Prune Marjoram?
- Early Spring: Prune marjoram in early spring to remove winter damage and encourage new growth as the growing season begins.
- Throughout the Growing Season: Regularly pinch back stems during the growing season to encourage continued development and discourage flowering, making the leaves taste bitter.
- Post-Flowering: After the plant flowers, prune it back to rejuvenate it and foster a new flush of growth.
Fresh Marjoram
How to Prune Marjoram?
- Tools Needed: Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
- Initial Pruning in Spring: Cut back any dead or damaged stems from winter. Trim the plant by about one-third to stimulate new growth.
- Regular Pinching: Throughout the growing season, pinch back the tips of the stems regularly. Remove about 1-2 inches from the tops of the stems. It encourages the plant to branch out and become bushier.
- Post-Flowering Pruning: Cut the plant by up to one-third of its height after flowering. It helps remove spent flowers and any woody stems, promoting fresh growth.
- Harvesting Pruning: Trim stems just above a pair of leaves when harvesting marjoram for culinary use. This method not only collects the herb but also encourages further growth.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Over-Prune: Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time to avert strain.
- Dispose of Trimmings: Remove pruned material from the garden to reduce disease risk.
- Water and Feed: After pruning, water the plant well and consider adding a balanced fertilizer to support new growth.
Propagating Marjoram
Propagated crocosmia marjoram and ornamental grass
Propagating Marjoram by Cuttings
- Selecting Cuttings:
- Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from an established marjoram plant in late spring or early summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections from the tips of the stems.
- Preparing Cuttings:
- Clear the leaves from the lower half of each cutting.
- Dip the cut end into rooting hormone liquid.
- Rooting Cuttings:
- Place the cuttings in a container with well-draining soil.
- Water exhaustively and wrap the container with a plastic bag to produce a humid climate.
- Place the pot in a warm area with indirect light.
- Transplanting:
- Check for root development after 4-6 weeks by gently tugging the cuttings.
- After the roots develop, transplant the little plants into larger pots or the garden.
Sweet marjoram
Propagating Marjoram by Division
- Choosing a Plant:
- Select a healthy, well-established marjoram plant at least 2-3 years old.
- Dividing the Plant:
- The best times are early spring or fall.
- Use a sharp cutter, knife, or spade to split the root ball into smaller parts, each with its roots and shoots.
- Replanting:
- Replant each division into prepared soil in the garden or in individual pots.
- Water the newly divided plants thoroughly.
Additional Tips
- Watering: Keep the soil humid but not waterlogged for seeds and cuttings until they are established.
- Lighting: Provide bright, indirect sunlight for seedlings and cuttings to promote healthy growth.
- Acclimatization: Gradually acclimate young plants to outdoor conditions before planting them in the garden by placing them outside for a few hours each day over a week.
Troubleshooting Marjoram: Growing Problems, Pests, and Diseases
Marjoram
Growing Problems
Poor Growth or Yellowing Leaves:
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Check for nutrient deficiencies and apply a balanced fertilizer if necessary.
Wilting or Drooping:
Cause: Underwatering or heat stress.
Solution: Water marjoram thoroughly when the soil feels dry. Provide some shade during extreme heat to protect the plant from wilting.
Leggy Growth:
Cause: Insufficient light or lack of pruning.
Solution: Plant marjoram in a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours per day). Regularly pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
Poor Flowering:
Cause: Excessive nitrogen or improper pruning.
Solution: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Prune marjoram after it flowers to encourage more blooms.
Spider mite
Pests
Aphids:
Symptoms: Small, soft-bodied insects on stems and leaves, causing yellowing and distorted growth.
Solution: Spray plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids. You can also employ insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites:
Symptoms: Tiny, spider-like pests causing stippling and yellowing of leaves, sometimes with fine webbing.
Solution: Spray water to increase humidity around the plant. You can also employ insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Whiteflies:
Symptoms: Tiny white insects fly around the plant, causing leaf yellowing and stunted growth.
Solution: Use yellow sticky traps to capture adults. You can also employ insecticidal soap or neem oil.
White fly
Diseases
Root Rot:
Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing leaves, and a general decline in plant health.
Cause: Overwatering and poor drainage.
Solution: Improve soil drainage by adding sand or gravel. Water less frequently and ensure pots have adequate drainage holes.
Powdery Mildew:
Symptoms: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves and stems.
Cause: High humidity and poor air circulation.
Solution: Provide space to enhance air circulation around the plant. Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry. Apply a fungicide if needed.
Leaf Spot:
Symptoms: Brown or black spots on leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo.
Cause: Fungal or bacterial infection, often due to wet conditions.
Solution: Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Use a fungicide if the problem persists.
9 Great Plants to Place next to Marjoram
Rosemary in the Garden
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Its strong scent helps repel pests. Both plants prefer dry and sunny conditions.
Thyme Hedge
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Complements marjoram well, promoting mutual growth and sharing similar needs for well-draining soil and full sun.
White Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Grows well with marjoram, sharing similar care requirements and helping to enhance the flavor of each other’s leaves.
Curly Parsley, Marjoram, and Coriander
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Can provide some ground cover, helping to keep the soil cool and moist around marjoram.
Tomato plants
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Marjoram can help repel pests that affect tomatoes, while tomatoes provide some shade for marjoram in very hot conditions.
Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Plants like chives, garlic, and onions can help repel aphids, slugs, and other pests that may bother marjoram. Both plants thrive under similar conditions.
Eggplant
Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
Grows well alongside marjoram, benefiting from its pest-repellent properties and sharing similar growing conditions.
Basil plant in a container
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Enhances flavor and growth when planted near marjoram. Both thrive in similar soil and sunlight conditions.
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Shares similar growing requirements with marjoram.
Lavender in a hedge
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Attracts pollinators, which can benefit marjoram and both plants like sunny, well-drained locations.
10 Plants to avoid planting next to Marjoram
Marjoram
- Fennel: Fennel is a harmful companion plant for marjoram. It can hinder the growth of neighboring plants and hurt their taste.
- Lavender: Lavender is a harmful companion plant for marjoram. It can compete for nutrients and moisture and negatively affect the growth of nearby plants.
- Mint: Mint is the wrong companion plant for marjoram. It can compete for nutrients and water and negatively affect the growth of nearby plants.
- Dill: Dill is the wrong companion plant for marjoram. It can attract pests and negatively affect the development of nearby plants.
- Chamomile: Chamomile is a bad companion plant for marjoram. It can attract pests and negatively affect the growth of nearby plants.
- Cilantro: Cilantro is a harmful companion plant for marjoram. It can attract pests and negatively affect the growth of nearby plants.
- Savory: Savory is a bad companion plant for marjoram. It can compete for nutrients and moisture and negatively affect the growth of nearby plants.
- Tansy: Tansy is a bad companion plant for marjoram. It can attract pests and negatively affect the growth of nearby plants.
- Wormwood: It can hinder the growth of neighboring plants and hurt their taste.
- Yarrow: Yarrow is a bad companion plant for marjoram. It can compete for nutrients and moisture and negatively affect the growth of nearby plants.
Other plants similar to Marjoram
Marjoram
- Oregano
- Basil
- Sage
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Tarragon
- Savory
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Chervil
Marjoram, compared to other popular herbs
Marjoram
Marjoram
- Growing conditions: Marjoram is a tender perennial herb that prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is not frost-tolerant and needs warm temperatures to grow.
- Characteristics: Marjoram has somewhat felty green to gray-green leaves and tiny similarly colored crenelated buds with a bit of white flower. They thrive on wiry stems that form a full burst of branches, kept bushy by regularly harvesting the growth. It is crucial in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is a good companion plant for many other herbs and vegetables.
Basil
- Growing conditions: Basil favors warm, sunny locations with well-draining soil and prospers in Mediterranean climates.
- Characteristics: Basil has a sweet, peppery savor with large, tender leaves varying from green to purple. It’s very popular in Italian dishes, pesto, salads, and garnish.
Cardamom
- Growing conditions: Cardamom flourishes in warm, humid climates with spotted sunlight and well-draining soil.
- Characteristics: Cardamom has a warm, citrusy taste with floral undertones. The little green pods have a papery outer shell. People use it in curries, desserts, and beverages.
Thyme
- Growing conditions: Thyme thrives in sunny areas with well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant.
- Characteristics: Thyme has an earthy, slightly peppery, and lemony taste, with little gray-green leaves. People use it in soups, stews, roasts, and marinades.
Rosemary
- Growing conditions: Rosemary likes full sun and well-draining soil, and it’s drought tolerant.
- Characteristics: Rosemary has a piney, resinous flavor with needle-like dark green leaves. It is popular in roasts, grilled meats, marinades, and bread.
Oregano
- Growing conditions: Oregano prospers in full sun with well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant.
- Characteristics: Oregano has a bold, intense, and scarcely bitter flavor with little green leaves and groups of white flowers. It’s a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, used in pizzas, pasta, salads, and marinades.
Sage
- Growing conditions: Sage likes full sun and well-draining soil, and it’s drought tolerant.
- Characteristics: Sage has an earthy, peppery, and savory taste with fuzzy gray-green leaves. People use it in stuffing, poultry dishes, sauces, and roasted vegetables.
Marjoram Allegory
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen In The Med
The most frequently asked questions about growing marjoram
What are the growing conditions for marjoram?
Marjoram does best in sunny locations with soil that drains well and has an alkaline or neutral pH.
Is marjoram a perennial or an annual?
Marjoram is a delicate perennial herb commonly cultivated outdoors but often treated as an annual in some countries.
How do I plant marjoram?
Place marjoram in a sunny, protected area with soil that drains well and has an alkaline or neutral pH. The plants will form compact, bushy mounds reaching approximately 24 inches or 60cm in height.
How do I care for marjoram?
Caring for marjoram is straightforward – pick young leaves regularly to promote dense new growth and trim the flower stems when they’re no longer at their peak.
Can I grow marjoram in a container?
Indeed, growing marjoram in a container is a practical choice if you need more garden space or can leave it outdoors during the winter.
How do I propagate marjoram?
Marjoram can be grown from seeds, and you can divide the plants in the fall or spring. It’s also possible to reproduce it through stem cuttings or layering.
What are the pests and diseases that affect marjoram?
Marjoram typically doesn’t face significant pest issues. Aphids and spider mites might appear, but you can wash them away with a forceful stream of water. In damp soil or during wet weather, marjoram can develop root rot or may be at risk of damping off.
How do I harvest marjoram?
You can harvest marjoram frequently to encourage fresh growth. Utilize its leaves and flowers either fresh or dried; Marjoram can be an excellent addition to a variety of dishes, including beef, lamb, roast, poultry, fish, green vegetables, carrots, cauliflower, eggplants, eggs, mushrooms, parsnips, potatoes, squash, and tomatoes.
What are the benefits of growing marjoram?
Marjoram is a flexible herb suitable for various recipes and a beneficial companion plant for numerous herbs and vegetables.
How do I store marjoram?
You can keep marjoram fresh in the fridge for around a week. Additionally, you can dry or freeze it for future use.
Main Sources I used in This Article
ASPCA - The american society for the prevention of cruelty to animals
University of California - UC Master Gardener Program, Sonoma County
almanac
University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
Springer Link
Bionatura, Latin AMerican Journal of Biotechnology and life sciences
ScienceDirect
Handbook of Herbs and Spices (Second edition)
Volume 1
Royal Horticultural Society
The Herb Book by John Lust
Physical Book
