Grow a garden filled with Sweet Marjoram, from freshly harvested Origanum majorana herb seeds. Sweet Marjoram is mainly used as a culinary herb, adding a sweet and spicy flavor to foods. The plants themselves reach a mature height of about 12 inches tall and can grow up to 18 inches wide. Not only are these herbs used to add flavoring to various foods, they also make a cute flower as well. They produce pink flowers atop their green foliage, attracting butterflies and bumblebees to the garden.
Categorized as a perennial herb, Sweet Marjoram will establish a deep root system, later wilting with the first frost. The plants will return the following growing season when all danger of frost has passed.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Perennial
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Pink
- Height: 12″ Tall
- Width: 18″ Spread
- Harvest: 80 to 95 Days
- Uses: Culinary / Medicinal
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seed
Marjoram seeds are extremely tiny, but are easy to establish when sown indoors. Start in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Scatter a pinch of tiny seeds to the surface of the soil, allowing direct sunlight to reach the seeds. This is crucial for germination to occur. Direct sow on a calm day, or transplant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Marjoram will enjoy an area that receives full sunlight for the majority of the day, with temperatures of at least 70F or more. It enjoys sandy, loamy soils that are well drained. To improve drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to any areas that consist of hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a mist setting or other light water setting to avoid overwatering and/or disturbing the seeds.
Germination & Growth
Your Marjoram will begin to show life within as little as 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of about 12 inches tall and can take up a fair amount of space. Space each plant roughly 6 to 12 inches apart from one another. Harvest by snipping branches, adding the leaves to all sorts of culinary dishes. Try it in vinegars, salads, and sauces; add it to dishes with meat, fish, pasta or mushrooms.