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• Small, bushy plant
• Superb flavour for culinary use
• Can be grown as an indoor pot plant

Marjoram, which is closely related to oregano, is a half hardy perennial, meaning it may survive a mild winter, but will normally need some kind of protection.  In the case of container grown plants, simply move them under glass.

Sowing Instructions

Sow: being a tender plant, for best results, sow your sweet marjoram seeds should be sown indoors from March, in trays or pots, and covered lightly with compost.  Seed may be grown outdoors from late April/early May, 2cm deep and around 15cm apart, in well drained and fertile soil in a sunny, fairly sheltered site, although outdoor germination can be erratic.  Harden off indoor grown seedlings before planting out, around 30cm apart.  Marjoram is suited to being grown in a pot on the patio, which can then be moved indoors over the cold winter months.  Select a container with good drainage, add grit to the compost, and scatter several seeds on the surface, covering lightly with compost.  Finally, marjoram can also be grown successfully year-round as an indoor plant on a south facing window sill.

Aftercare: Marjoram is very easy to care for.  Water, as required, until established, after which plants will more or less look after themselves and, being of Mediterranean origin, should even be fairly tolerant of drought.  Container grown plants may benefit from a mid season feed of organic liquid fertiliser.

Harvest: leaves in July, just before flowers appear, as leaves harvested after flowers have bloomed can have a bitter taste.  Snipping off the flower heads before they open will allow you to enjoy small amounts of sweet marjoram right through summer and autumn. 

Usage

Marjoram has a milder, sweeter flavour than oregano but is used in much the same way, traditionally in pizzas, pasta dishes and tomato sauces.  It is best used as a fresh herb.

herb seeds - marjoram seeds - sweet marjoram seeds