Marjoram - Sweet

SKU: MJ09000A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 3500-4500 seeds per gram.
Lot# MJ09000
Origanum majorana
Sweet marjoram is a tender perennial herb or shrub with leaves that taste of sweet pine and citrus. It is a close relative of oregano but differs widely in aroma.  This pale green, short, bushy plant will spread readily if the tops are pinched out when young.  Marjoram originates from the Mediterranean region of the world and was admired by both Greeks and Romans as a universal symbol of happiness.  Marjoram can grow to a height of 61-91 cm (24-36”) with a minimal spread.  It is easily grown from seed or cuttings.  It prefers a full sun location and requires a well-drained soil.  Sweet marjoram tends to be a low spreading plant that benefits from being pruned back when it is 15-20 cm (6-8”) tall to encourage a bushy growth habit.
Planting Instructions:   
  • From seed, sow indoors six weeks before last frost.  Direct sow Sweet Marjoram seeds in the fall or winter sow in coldframe or unheated greenhouse. Sweet Marjoram propagates well through softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings. It propagates well through rootball division as well.  Sow seeds 12 mm (½") deep, and thin to between 38-45 cm (15-18”) apart.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. 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.
  • Planting Depth:  Sprinkle the seeds on the soil surface and very lightly cover with soil.  Mist the soil surface and keep evenly moist until the seeds germinate.  
  • Germination: 10 to 14 days, but can germinate in as few as 7 to 10 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  61-91 cm (24-36”). Spread: 30 cm (12”).
  • Days to Maturity:  (60-90 days)   Pick leaves when plant is able to support harvesting.
  • Sun/Shade: Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning: Marjoram plants should be spaced between 38-45 cm, (15-18”) apart.
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated Seeds. Your plants should be at least 7.5 cm (3”) tall, but only pick a few leaves at a time until they are 15 cm (6”) high. Then you can harvest more regularly.  Like most other herbs, harvesting must be before the plant goes to flower. After that, the leaves tend to be too bitter to use. Marjoram usually blooms in mid to late summer. You can delay this by cutting off the flower stalks as they begin to develop. Your plant will grow slower into the autumn if you do this, but you should still be able to harvest leaves almost until winter as long as it doesn’t flower.