Marjoram
Origanum majorana
Also called sweet marjoram
Sweet marjoram is a fragrant, tender herb grown from seed in full sun and well-drained soil. It is toxic to dogs and cats, so keep it away from pets.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- 7–14 days
- Germination temperature
- 18–21 °C64–70 °F
- Sowing depth
- On the surface
- Spacing between plants
- 30 cm12 in
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun
Toxic to cats and dogs Read the safety notes
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About marjoram
Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a fragrant herb in the mint family, native to Turkey and the countries around the Mediterranean. It has small gray-green leaves and a sweeter, milder flavor than oregano, and cooks use it in soups, sauces, salads and meats. It is a tender plant that is often grown as an annual, since it may not survive winter outdoors north of USDA zone 9.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- 6–8 weeks before the last frost
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Low
- Containers
- Yes
- Height
- 30–61 cm1–2 ft
- Spread
- 30–61 cm1–2 ft
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Not yet verified
- Hardiness zones
- USDA zone 9
Sowing timeline
When to sow marjoram seeds
Counted from your area's average last spring frost date. Find yours from a local weather service or garden center, then count back or forward.
- Germination time
- 7–14 days
- Germination temperature
- 18–21 °C64–70 °F
- Frost tolerance
- Tender (no frost)
02 · How to grow
How to grow marjoram from seed
Sowing indoors. Start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Set seeds on the surface of the growing mix and press them in gently, because they need light to sprout. They usually come up in 7 to 14 days when kept at 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C).
Sowing outdoors. Some guides say you can sow directly outdoors about two weeks before the last spring frost. Other guidance says to sow after the last frost, once the danger of frost has passed.
Site and spacing. Plant in full sun, meaning 6 or more hours of direct sun a day, in average, well-drained soil that stays dry to medium moist. Space plants about 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Mature plants reach about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm) tall and wide.
03 · Care
Caring for marjoram
Pruning. Cut back the stems before flowers appear to encourage bushy growth. Cutting plants back when they are 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) tall also helps them grow bushier.
Water and containers. Once established, it handles drought and heat very well. It can be grown in a pot, which can be brought indoors in fall before frost, though it often does not overwinter well.
At a glance
How marjoram compares with other herbs
Worked out from the growing facts of the 30 seeds in Herbs on SeedBattle.
- Marjoram
- Each of the other herbs
- Their average
- Germination timeSprouts sooner than average
7–14 days
Average for herbs: 12 days, from 20 other seeds
- Germination temperatureAbout average
18–21 °C64–70 °F
Average for herbs: 19 °C66 °F, from 14 other seeds
- Sowing depthShallower than average
On the surface
Average for herbs: 6 mm¼ in, from 16 other seeds
- Spacing between plantsCloser than average
30 cm12 in
Average for herbs: 34 cm14 in, from 13 other seeds
- HeightShorter than average
30–61 cm1–2 ft
Average for herbs: 70 cm2½ ft, from 27 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common marjoram problems
Pests and rot. Sweet marjoram usually has no serious insect or disease problems, but its roots and stems rot in poorly drained, saturated soil. Aphids and red spider mites may bother it.
05 · Harvest
Harvesting marjoram
Picking. Pick the leaves before the flowers open for the best flavor. Some guides suggest cutting the leafy stems at flowering for drying. When the plant starts to bloom, cutting it back close to the ground can prompt a new flush of growth.
06 · Storage
Storing marjoram
Drying. Air-dry the cut stems and store them in sealed containers. Dried leaves can be used as a seasoning, just like fresh ones.
07 · Safety
Marjoram safety
Sweet marjoram is toxic to dogs and cats. Vomiting and diarrhea are the signs to watch for in pets. Keep the plant out of reach of pets, and call a vet as soon as possible if a pet eats it.
Marjoram questions
How long does marjoram take to germinate?
Sweet marjoram seeds usually sprout in 7 to 14 days when kept at 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C).
When should I start marjoram seeds?
Start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Some guides say you can also sow outdoors about two weeks before the last frost.
Can I grow marjoram in a pot?
Yes, it is easily grown as a container plant indoors in a sunny spot. Potted plants can be brought indoors before frost, but they often do not overwinter well.
Is marjoram safe for cats and dogs?
No. It is toxic to both dogs and cats. Vomiting and diarrhea are the signs to watch for.
Does marjoram come back every year?
It is a tender perennial, but it may not survive winter outdoors north of USDA zone 9, so many gardeners grow it as an annual.
Quick answers
More marjoram questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
How deep should I sow marjoram seeds?
Sow them on the surface.
How far apart should I plant marjoram?
Space the plants 30 cm12 in apart.
How much sun does marjoram need?
Marjoram grows in full sun.
What temperature do marjoram seeds need to sprout?
Marjoram seeds germinate at 18–21 °C64–70 °F.
How tall does marjoram grow?
Marjoram grows 30–61 cm1–2 ft tall.
Can marjoram survive frost?
No. Marjoram is tender, so it can't take frost.
Side by side
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Herbs
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