How to Grow

From seed

Direct sow in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost.

Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.

Sow marjoram seeds evenly and cover with 0.5cm of fine soil.

5-10cm between rows and plants.

Firm the soil lightly and keep evenly moist.

Seedlings will emerge in 14-21 days, possibly longer in cooler soils.

Water in well.

From seedling

Select a sunny location with good drainage and slightly acidic soil.

Transplant when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of leaves.

Dig a hole around 2cm deep for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root development.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil.

Fill with soil to the top of the root ball.

Press soil down firmly with your hand.

In a pot

Sow marjoram seeds in a pot, indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost in spring.

Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.

Keep soil moist.

As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 20-30cm beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night.

Raise the lights as the plants grow taller.

Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot.

Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4-inch pots when seedlings have at least 3 pairs of leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.

Ready to harvest

Marjoram is ready for harvest 60 days after sowing.

Cut fresh leaves as needed once plants are 4 to 6 inches tall.

The flavor of marjoram leaves intensifies in hot weather.

cut-and-come-again harvesting will renew plants.

The flavor is best before the plant flowers.

You can extend the harvest by removing the flower buds as they form.

Collect seed

Like most plants, the seeds are ripe when the flower heads have completely dried brown.

If the seed heads are still green at all, it is too early, so leave the seeds on the plants for a few more weeks.

Then, cut off the entire seed heads into a paper bag and let them dry completely.