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Growing Sweet Marjoram, also Knotted marjoram

(Origanum majorana)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
      S T T            

(Best months for planting Sweet Marjoram in USA - North East regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings.


  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Best flavour if picked before flowering.
  • Compatible with: Peppers (Capsicums, Chilis), Sage,

Sweet marjoram, from the same family as oregano, is a fragrant and useful herb. The name Knotted Marjoram comes from the way the flowers are collected into roundish close heads like knots.

Can be sown direct but the seeds are very small and should be very lightly covered, so it is easier to sow in boxes and plant out at about 15cm to 20 cm tall.

It does well in a container and can be grown under cover for use during the winter. It hates winter cold and wet and does best with a temperature of 22C during the day and 15C at night.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sweet Marjoram

Sweet Marjoram has a mild oregano flavor with a hint of balsam.
Sweet Marjoram can be used as a substitute for oregano in sauces for mediterranean style pizza, lasagna, and eggplant parmigiana.


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See planting calendar for these countries and climate zones

Australia - arid,   Australia - cool/mountain,   Australia - sub-tropical,   Australia - temperate,   Australia - tropical,   New Zealand - cool/mountain,   New Zealand - sub-tropical,   New Zealand - temperate,   South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical,   South Africa - Humid sub-tropical,   South Africa - Semi-arid,   South Africa - Summer rainfall,   United Kingdom - cool/temperate,   United Kingdom - warm/temperate,   USA - Central West Coast,   USA - Maritime Northwest,   USA - Mid-Atlantic,   USA - North East,   USA - South East and Gulf States,   USA - South West,   USA - Upper Midwest  

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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