West Coast Seeds (Sweet Marjoram)
West Coast Seeds (Sweet Marjoram)
Origanum majorana. Sweet Marjoram is a key ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes adding a similar flavour to oregano, but more delicate. This pale green, bushy plant will spread readily if the tops are pinched out when young. Direct sow Sweet Marjoram seeds uncovered in the spring. Pull the whole plant up in fall and hang to dry or pot some up to grow on a windowsill all winter. Marjoram performs very well in containers or any part of the garden with good drainage and full sun. The flowers are attractive to honeybees and other pollinators, and the leaves and sprigs are great for flavouring oils and vinegars.
Latin Name |
Origanum majorana. |
Difficulty | Easy |
Exposure |
Fun sun |
Sprouting | 7-14 days |
Starting |
Start indoors in plug trays from February to April. Starting indoors is more reliable than direct sowing. Use bottom heat to maintain a constant soil temperature of 15°C (60°F) for best results. |
Growing |
Grow in a sunny and warm spot. Thin or transplant leaving 25cm (10″) between plants. Cut back after flowering to prevent them from getting straggly. As autumn approaches, divide some to bring inside over winter. Cut back the year’s growth for the rest of your plants to about 6cm (2½”) from the soil. |
Similar flavour to oregano
Used in Mediterranean dishes
Pale green, bushy plants
Attractive to honeybees
Sow seed uncovered in spring