Heirloom Herbs
Sweet Marjoram
This perfumed Mediterranean herb is at its best when harvested fresh from the garden, with a complex, sweeter pungency than its more assertive cousin, oregano. Marjoram is easy to grow from seed and forms an attractive mound of small-leaved green sprigs. This versatile kitchen companion combines well with garlic, onions, thyme, basil, and bay leaves. It is the herb of choice for flavoring cheese and egg dishes, herb breads and stuffings, mushrooms, poultry or beans and adds bright flavor to a wide range of everyday cooking.
PERENNIAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardy
TO START INDOORS
Sow seed in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Press gently into mix, but do not cover. Provide a good light source. Keep evenly moist as seedlings slowly emerge in 12 to 21 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions. Transplant clusters of 3 to 5 seedlings 8 inches apart in full sun.
TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
When warm spring weather arrives, sow in full sun in a well-worked, finely textured soil with good drainage. Sow seed as thinly as possible, but do not cover as seeds need light to germinate. Tend carefully, keeping seedbed evenly moist and well weeded. ThIn to leave clusters of 3-5 seedling 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Mix tiny seed with dry sand to help space seedlings. Young plants grow slowly at first; a good hot spell encourages strong growth. Pick leaves lightly the first season; wait until the second summer to make bigger harvests. Cut blossom sprays off for best leafy growth. Given good drainage, this carefree Mediterranean native is hardy and long-lived.
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar – May
|
Feb - May
|
Full sun
|
1/2 –1 inch apart
1/8 inch deep |
14 – 21 days
|
1 to 1 1/2 feet
|
Cold Winters |
Mild Winters |
Sun/Shade |
Sow Seeds |
Days To Germinate |
Mature Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mar – May
|
Feb - May
|
Full sun
|
1/2 –1 inch apart
1/8 inch deep |
14 – 21 days
|
1 to 1 1/2 feet
|
Cold Winters
Mar – May
|
Mild Winters
Feb - May
|
Sun/Shade
Full sun
|
Sow Seeds
1/2 –1 inch apart
1/8 inch deep |
Days To Germinate
14 – 21 days
|
Mature Height
1 to 1 1/2 feet
|