Growing Sweet Marjoram, also Knotted marjoram

Origanum majorana : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Best flavour if picked before flowering.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicums, Chilis), Sage,
  • Sweet Majoram (commons.wikimedia.org - Lazaregagnidze - CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sweet marjoram, from the same family as oregano, is a fragrant and useful herb. The name Knotted Marjoram comes from the way the flowers are collected into roundish close heads like knots.

Can be sown direct but the seeds are very small and should be very lightly covered, so it is easier to sow in boxes and plant out at about 15 cm to 20 cm tall.

It does well in a container and can be grown under cover for use during the winter. It hates winter cold and wet and does best with a temperature of 22 C during the day and 15 C at night.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sweet Marjoram

Sweet Marjoram has a mild oregano flavor with a hint of balsam.
Sweet Marjoram can be used as a substitute for oregano in sauces for mediterranean style pizza, lasagna, and eggplant parmigiana.

Your comments and tips

19 Nov 13, Eric (Australia - temperate climate)
what is best soil type for marjoram and water requirements. My plant died and I believe it was due to being to moisture.
25 Apr 19, Annemarie Dellemijn (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Good day Where can I find a Marjoram plant in South Africa? I'm also looking for Kohlrabi seeds or plants.
30 Oct 21, Tohfe (Australia - temperate climate)
How many weeks to grow up (From Gardenate:Check here www.gardenate.com/plant/Sweet Marjoram )
13 Jan 23, (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Is there a variety of sweet marjoram hardy to zone 7?
23 Jan 23, Philip Behrens (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Is there a variety of sweet marjoram hardy to zone 7?
29 May 24, Katherine boys (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My sweet marjoram did not show knots as I'm accustomed to when I had it in another garden. Instead, it showed long (2cm) flower heads. I like the knots which are very pungent and wonderful in salads. Could the plant have been too well nourished? The leaves aren't really grey-green, just green, and not at all strong in taste.

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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