Marjoram - Sweet Marjoram

Maintenance & Harvesting Marjoram

Marjoram is a versatile culinary herb, prized in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Its mellow, sweet flavor enhances roasted meats, vegetables, soups, sauces, and dressings.

• Pruning: The best flavor is found just before the plant begins to flower. Pinch or cut back plants when 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushiness and prevent flowering.
• Harvest: Snip leaves as needed; harvest flower sprays to encourage leafy growth.
• Winter Care: In warm zones (9+), it's a perennial; in colder areas, treat as an annual or bring potted plants indoors before frost.
• For Drying: Cut back up to half the plant when flower buds first appear. Hang bunches in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space or spread leaves on a screen for even drying.

Seed Count: 0.175g approx. 700 seeds

Hardiness Zone: Annual in most regions; tender perennial in Zones 9, 10, 11

Days to Maturity: 60-70

Days to Germination: 7-21

Seeding Depth: 0.25 inches

Plant Spacing: 6-12 inches

Row Spacing: 18-24 inches

Plant Height: 12-24 inches

Growth Habit: Upright, bushy

Soil Preference: Well-drained loam of average fertility

Temperature Preference: Warm; thrives in sunshine

Germination Temperature: 65-75 F

Light Preference: Full sun to partial shade

Starting Seeds

• Indoors: Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Mix tiny seeds with sand to help with sowing. Press seeds lightly onto seed-starting mix (don't cover) or sow 1/4 inch deep. Keep moist and provide bright light.
• Outdoors: Direct sow after the last frost in well-drained soil, covering lightly as they need light to germinate.
• Germination: Soak seeds overnight to improve germination; they typically sprout in 1-3 weeks.