Looking for the right herb plant to add flavor and fragrance to your garden and your kitchen? Look no further than marjoram!
Origanum Majorana, commonly known as marjoram, is a perennial herb very popular for its resemblance with oregano. This evergreen perennial is well suited for growing in containers and garden beds as well.
There are three popular varieties of marjoram, including sweet marjoram, pot marjoram, and wild marjoram. All these types are commonly used as a seasoning for various dishes. Marjoram’s taste is very similar to oregano’s taste but milder. It also tastes similar to thyme, only sweeter and with a more pungent scent.
In the kitchen, this herb is traditionally partnered with meat, particularly lamb, beef, pork, and chicken. However, it is also popular in dishes that include vegetables, pulses, or seafood and it is often found in spice mixes Herbs de Provence and Za’atar. In Medieval England, Marjoram was used in brewing to add bitterness to ale and beer and it is valued in the liquor industry today and can be found as a flavouring for liquors and vermouths.
Marjoram is also a popular herb in traditional and folk remedies, having a number of health benefits. Certain compounds found in this perennial herb have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Marjoram is thought to have benefits for hormonal health, especially for women.
In the garden, marjoram is a lovely plant have. It is easy to grow and acts as a magnet for butterflies and other beneficial insects, making it a fantastic companion plant.
Ready to learn more about growing and caring for Marjoram? Keep reading below!
About Marjoram
- Origanum Majorana is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, being part of the Lamiaceae family, the Origanum genus. The Lamiaceae family includes flowering plants that are aromatic and have culinary uses, including basil, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, and others.
- The botanical name of Marjoram is Origanum Majorana. Marjoram is also known as Knotted or sweet marjoram, which is the name used to avoid confusion with oregano species that are also called marjoram sometimes. Other names of this herb are Garden Marjoram or Pot Marjoram.
- Marjoram is an excellent plant choice for sunny borders, herb gardens, vegetable gardens, and cottage gardens. This herb is also a fantastic companion plant in Mediterranean gardens. Marjoram is also suited for growing in containers.
- The genus name “Origanum” has its origins in Ancient Greek and it translates as “joy of the mountains”
- This perennial herb is a sun-loving plant. It needs about six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. If you grow it in containers, make sure to choose your brightest window to provide it with enough sunlight.
- Marjoram is a cold-sensitive perennial herb. It is best to avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C). This plant grows best at temperatures between 60 and 70°F (15-21°C).
- Marjoram doesn’t like high levels of humidity, so avoid overwatering your Marjoram plants as much as possible or keeping them in damp conditions.
- In terms of soil, marjoram prefers to grow in loose, sandy, or loamy soil. It also needs the soil to provide good drainage. It prefers slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH.
- Established marjoram plants are drought-tolerant, having minimal water needs. However, young plants like to sit in lightly moist but not soggy soil. Avoid overhead watering with this plant as it is susceptible to fungal problems.
- Marjoram has a few severe pest and disease problems. It is susceptible to root rot when kept in waterlogged soils. It can also experience some issues with pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you notice any pest issue, quickly remove the plant from the others. You can get rid of infestations with these pests by removing the pests by hand, running the plant under a firm spray of water, or treating it with insecticidal soap.

Marjoram Features: An Overview
- Marjoram is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide.
- This bushy shrub features a mound of highly aromatic, ovate leaves that have a grey-green colour.
- During its blooming period, from mid to late summer, it produces clusters of tiny, two-lipped flowers that can be white or pale pink. The best time to harvest Marjoram is just before the flowers start to bloom. This is when the plant is richest in essential oils.
- Sweet marjoram essential oil can be obtained through steam distillation and it has a spicy, warm, camphoraceous aroma with woody undertones.
- This sub-species of oregano has a sweet, floral, and lightly spicy fragrance. Its scent was thought to be a symbol of joy in Medieval times. Not as strong as Oregano, Marjoram is a more versatile condiment.
- In Ancient Egypt, marjoram was used in the manufacture of perfumes and it was also used in traditional medicine, and even in different rituals such as mummy garlands.
- In Ancient Greece, marjoram was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It was said that Aphrodite gave the plant its scent with her gentle touch. Marjoram flowers symbolized love and happiness and were often used in wedding ceremonies.
- In ancient times, Marjoram was also used in the making of a popular pink-coloured perfume called “Samsoukhinon” or “Amarakinon”. This perfume was beloved by Athenian women and its scent was so strong that it could cause headaches.
- Sweet marjoram enjoyed a lot of popularity in medieval times as well, being used as an aromatic plant that was added to perfume baths, potpourris, and put inside pillows to improve the quality of sleep.
- Marjoram is a good source of iron, calcium, Vitamins A and C, manganese, and Vitamin K. As a result, the plant has been used as a treatment for digestive problems.
- Marjoram also contains natural compounds thymol and carvacrol which make the herb a good anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and anti-fungal remedy.
- This herb’s toxicity is a bit more complex. While it is safe when used as a seasoning for food in moderate amounts, it can be unsafe when used for a long-time or when applied to the eye or skin as fresh. Some toxins found in marjoram can cause gastric irritation, diarrhoea, vomiting, slow heart rate, respiratory irritation, seizures, and even bleeding disorders. It’s best to plant it out of your kids’ and pets’ reach so that you can control how it is used and the amounts used.
Growing Marjoram
Growing marjoram is really easy. Considering all the benefits associated with these plants, caring for them is totally worth it. There are just a few particular growing needs this plant has that you should know about to help it thrive and repay your care.
First of all, you need to keep in mind that marjoram is a sun-loving plant. It needs about six hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive. So, make sure to choose a sunny spot in your garden. If you grow your marjoram in a container as a houseplant, place it at the brightest window of your house.
Fertilizing your marjoram once a month can also highly benefit your plant. While it isn’t a must, regular feeding helps this perennial herb grow lush and full. We recommend using a liquid blend formulated for herbs. You can also improve the plant’s soil and make it more nutritious and rich with organic matter.
Pruning your marjoram is an easy task but an important one as it will help your plant remain healthy and have a fresh appearance. All you have to do is to pinch back stems before flowers appear to encourage a bushy growth habit. To stimulate the new growth of more aromatic leaves, you can cut the plant close to the ground as it starts to bloom.
- Germination and Seed Quality: These Marjoram seeds are open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom, ensuring a high-quality, sustainable crop. These characteristics promote genetic diversity and resilience, contributing to more robust plants. The seeds have a good germination rate, but they require proper conditions like warmth and light soil coverage to sprout effectively.
- Variety of Marjoram: Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is renowned for its aromatic and culinary appeal. Unlike Pot Marjoram (Origanum onites) and Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), it offers a sweeter, milder flavor, ideal for enhancing dishes with a subtle, citrusy touch. Favored in many kitchens, its growth and care are akin to other marjoram types, but its unique flavor makes it a preferred choice for both gardeners and chefs.
- Ease of Growing: Marjoram is relatively easy to grow, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. It prefers well-drained soil, moderate watering, and plenty of sunlight. Marjoram is adaptable to container gardening and can thrive indoors if given enough light, making it versatile for various gardening spaces.
- Specific Uses: Marjoram is a versatile herb used in various culinary dishes, imparting a sweet, citrusy flavor. It's excellent in soups, stews, sauces, and meat dishes. Beyond cooking, it's used in traditional medicine for its potential digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits and in aromatherapy for its calming properties.
- Customer Support: If an issue arises with seed quality or plant health, please reach out so that we can make every effort to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase.
- The herb has the delicate sweet-flavor and mildly pungent (spicy) taste .
- It grows well in the garden or in containers.
- Easy to grow
- Sweet marjoram, a low-growing plant native to the Mediterranean, makes a pretty summer groundcover or edging.
- The herb has the delicate sweet-flavor and mildly pungent (spicy) taste .
- It grows well in the garden or in containers.
- Easy to grow
- Sweet marjoram, a low-growing plant native to the Mediterranean, makes a pretty summer groundcover or edging.
Last update on 2024-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Planting Marjoram
When it comes to planting Marjoram, it can be a bit difficult to start this plant by seed, so it is often best to do it from small plants bought from the nursery.
Another essential thing to know about planting marjoram is that the best time to do it is in spring after the threat of frost has passed. As mentioned above, these plants are not cold-hardy, and frost can really mess with your planting efforts. However, if you want to start your plants from seeds, sow them directly in your garden about two weeks after the last spring frost or plant indoors about eight weeks before the last frost.
The key to growing marjoram is to grow it in full sun, so pay attention to choosing a sunny area of your garden where your plants can get at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
It is also important to get the spacing right to ensure successful planting with your Marjoram plants. More precisely, it’s best to plant seeds at about ¼ inch deep. With nursery plants, plant them at about the same depth they were growing in their containers. To provide enough room for growth, space plants about a foot (30 cm) apart.
Make sure to use soil that provides good drainage to protect your Marjoram plants from root rot or other fungal problems.
If you plan on growing your Marjoram plants in containers, pay attention to these details:
- Place it in a spot with enough light
- Use containers that are at least 6 inches (15 cm) wide and at least 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep to provide enough room for growth.
- Make sure the containers have enough drainage holes to avoid keeping your plants in soggy soil.
If you want to add sweet marjoram to your organic vegetable garden, the best companion plants include celery, chives, eggplants, onions, radishes, potatoes, and peas. If you have a container herb garden and you are not growing marjoram yet, you won’t have any issues growing it alongside basil, parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, or rosemary.
Watering Marjoram
Young Marjoram plants require more water than mature ones. Make sure to keep the soil of your young Marjoram plants lightly moist but not soggy.
Once your Marjoram plants are established, they become drought-tolerant, meaning that they can survive short periods of drought. Established plants can be watered with about one inch of water per week. However, it’s not recommended to allow the soil to dry out completely, so adjust the watering schedule based on how quickly the soil of your Marjoram plants dries.
When watering your Marjoram plants, it is essential to consider the fungal problems they are susceptible to. More precisely, to protect your Marjoram perennials from fungal conditions, you can:
- Avoid overhead watering.
- Water early in the day so that wet foliage has enough time to dry in the sunlight.
Propagating Marjoram
If you want to propagate your Marjoram plants, we can’t blame you. These perennial herbs are fantastic plants to have in your garden or home because they have so many uses.
Marjoram can be propagated via cuttings and division.
To propagate via division, all you have to do is to dig up the root clump of a mature plant in the fall. Next, divide it into pieces and replant the pieces into separate pots or new garden spots.
To propagate via cuttings, cut a piece of the stem of about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. Then, remove the foliage from the lower part of the stem and any flowers or buds. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage the stem to produce its own root system and plant the cutting in a small container and keep it in bright but indirect sunlight.
You can also grow Marjoram from seeds, but it will take longer. However, it is not an impossible task. You need to use a seed-starting kit to sow the seeds indoors. It’s best to start this process 8-10 weeks before the last frost of spring. Using a seed-starting formula, sow the Marjoram seeds 1/4 inches deep. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of about 20°C (70°F). The Marjoram seedlings will emerge in 2-3 weeks and they will need plenty of light so it’s best to keep them on a sunny windowsill.
When your Marjoram plants develop a few pairs of leaves, you can move them to 3-4 inch individual pots where they’ll develop a stronger root system. Before transplanting them to your garden beds, it’s very important to harden your young Marjoram plants by keeping them in a sheltered location outdoors where they are protected from frost, winds and harsh sun. After 2 or 3 weeks of hardening, your plants will be ready for their garden life.

Marjoram Pests and Diseases
Marjoram doesn’t have many enemies when it comes to pests and diseases, but it’s wise to keep an eye out for root rot, powdery mildew, or botrytis blight, as this aromatic herb isn’t a big fan of damp conditions. But, as long as you grow your Marjoram in well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging you won’t have any problems.
When grown indoors, Marjoram might be affected by spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. If you notice any signs that your plant might be affected by these pests, the first step is to quarantine your plant as soon as possible to prevent your ofter plants from being affected.
If you are dealing with a mild infestation, you can solve the issue by manually removing the intruders or by washing them off with a spray of water. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you can treat the plants with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
In Conclusion
Growing marjoram can be such a rewarding gardening project. This plant will flavour your favourite dishes, fill your garden with an interesting fragrance, and benefit your other garden plants by attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Caring for this perennial herb is really easy and there are plenty of ways to propagate it, so it really is worth it to try your hand at growing marjoram in your garden or indoors in containers.