Do you want to grow marjoram?
Growing marjoram is easy. You can start seeds indoors or out, and it’s a great herb for beginner gardeners. Marjoram plants should be located in areas receiving full sun with light, well-drained soil. The plant grows best when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night. It does not like temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area where these conditions are difficult to achieve, consider growing marjoram as an annual rather than a perennial plant by planting new seedlings every spring instead of trying to overwinter your existing plants from year to year.
Once established, marjoram needs little care other than occasional watering during dry spells and regular fertilization throughout the growing season using organic compost or fertilizer specifically formulated for herbs such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract (such products are available at most garden centers). Trim back dead flowers regularly so that they don’t take energy away from healthy blooms needed for future growth; cut back any dead leaves just above a leaf node on the stem (where another leaf would grow if left alone) but do not remove more than one-third of total foliage at any given time because this will weaken your plant’s overall health. Remove spent blossoms after flowering has finished so that all energy
Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
When is the Best Time of the Year to Plant Marjoram
The best time of year to plant Marjoram is late winter or early spring. Marjoram is a perennial herb that can be grown in USDA zones 5 through 9. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Marjoram can be planted from seed or transplanted from clumps. Seeds should be started indoors. Seeds germinate within 10 days and seedlings grow quickly, reaching a height of 2 feet by summer.
Where in the Garden Should You Plant Marjoram
Marjoram is a perennial and should be planted in a sunny area, preferably in a warm and dry climate. Its leaves are used fresh or dried in cooking, to flavor dishes such as stuffed cabbage, lamb stew, and tomato sauces. It can also be used to flavor vinegar or oil. One teaspoon of the dried herb equals one tablespoon of the fresh herb.
In areas that have a Mediterranean climate, marjoram will grow year-round. Areas that have a temperate or subtropical climate will usually grow marjoram during the summer and bring it indoors when the weather outside gets cold. Marjoram can be grown from seed, cuttings, or root divisions, but root divisions are the easiest way to propagate marjoram.
Marjoram is easy to grow from seeds. The plant will grow up to a height of18 inches. In the North, it can become perennial if mulched during the winter months. For best results, plant your marjoram in rich soil and water regularly until well established.
It is recommended that you sow marjoram indoors in peat pots 4-6 weeks before the last frost. After the seedlings are established, transplant them into your garden.
Transplant your marjoram to its final spot only after all danger of frost has passed. Dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the one you will be transplanting it to. Amend the soil with compost before planting.
If you are transplanting an established plant, dig it up carefully and replant it in the amended soil. Water well after transplanting.
How Often Should I Watering Marjoram
Marjoram is a hardy plant and can tolerate drought conditions. However, if the plant is not getting enough water, it will start to wilt.
When watering marjoram, it is important to give the plant a deep watering. This will help to get the water down to the roots of the plant where it is needed. Marjoram does not like wet feet, so it is important to make sure that the soil is dry before watering it again.
In general, marjoram should be watered once a week. However, the amount of water that is needed will vary depending on the climate and the type of soil that is being used. If the plant is in a pot, then it will need to be watered more often than if it is planted in the ground.
When and How to Harvest Marjoram
Marjoram is a culinary herb that is best harvested at the end of summer. To harvest, cut through the stems with a sharp knife. Be careful to not take too much at once as it will result in weak plants.
Marjoram may also be harvested by new shoots in mid-spring if grown as an annual.
Harvesting marjoram is pretty simple and straightforward; here are some further tips for harvesting marjoram.
1. When the plant is mature, harvest marjoram by cutting off stems using sharp shears or scissors (you can also use a knife) taking care to not remove more than one-third of any one plant at once. Take care not to cut too far down towards the base, otherwise, you may cut into the woody stem.
2. To harvest young marjoram, cut the plant down to about an inch or two above soil level in late spring when it is putting out new growth (before it has flowered) and before the weather gets too hot.
3. To encourage your marjoram to grow back after harvest, trim off the tips of the stems so that about an inch or two of new growth is left.
4. If you are growing marjoram in the ground, it is generally a good idea to harvest it before the first frost. However, if you are growing it in a pot, you can usually keep harvesting until the first frost.
5. If you are growing marjoram for its essential oil, it is best to harvest just before the plant flowers.
When harvesting marjoram, always take care not to remove too much at once, as this can weaken the plant. In general, it is a good idea to cut off no more than one-third of any one plant at a time. It is also generally best not to trim so close to the base that you cut into the woody stem.
The ideal time for marjoram harvesting is in mid-spring when it has just started to develop new leaves and growth after winter, but before too much hot weather hits. If you are growing marjoram in the ground, it is generally a good idea to harvest it before the first frost; however, if you’re growing it in a pot, you can usually keep harvesting until the first frost. If you are growing marjoram for its essential oil, it is best to harvest just before the plant flowers.
Different Ways to Store Marjoram
Marjoram is a great herb to have on hand, but it can be a little tricky to store. Here are a few different ways to keep your marjoram fresh:
- Put marjoram in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and store it in a cool, dark place.
- Put marjoram in a plastic bag and store it in the fridge.
- Put marjoram in an ice cube tray and freeze it. Then put the frozen cubes in a plastic bag and store them in the freezer.
No matter how you choose to store your marjoram, make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place. Marjoram can last for several months when stored this way.
Other Things of Interest About Marjoram
- Horticulturally, Marjoram is beneficial to tomato plants
- It likes hot dry climates with light soil
- There are at least six types of marjoram cultivated for cooking purposes
- Origanum majorana, sweet marjoram, is the most popular type
- The flavor of marjoram is a complex mingling of mint, thyme, and oregano
- Marjoram is used in tomato sauces, egg dishes, fish dishes, stuffings, salads, and dressings.
- It is a key ingredient in ratatouille
- Marjoram essential oil is used in aromatherapy
- The word “marjoram” comes from the Greek language
- Marjoram has been used in medicine, rituals, and cosmetics since ancient times.
Conclusion: Now you have a better idea of how to grow Marjoram. Make sure to provide your plants with plenty of suns and well-drained soil, and they should thrive. Enjoy using this versatile herb in your cooking!