Sweet Marjoram Seeds

Origanum majorana is a Half-Hardy Perennial (H2), usually grown as an annual in the UK. Unlike its bulletproof relative, Oregano, Sweet Marjoram is highly sensitive to the cold and will not survive a typical British winter outdoors.

The Aromatic Secret: Marjoram develops its best flavour when grown "hard"—meaning it prefers poor soil and only a moderate amount of water. Over-pampering the plant results in fast, soft growth that lacks the high concentration of perfumed essential oils found in the grey-green leaves of a sun-baked plant.

The "Knots": The plant earns its common name from the unique, tight flower buds that look like tiny green knots. These appear in late summer and are themselves a vital nectar source for bees and hoverflies.

Marjoram seeds are exceptionally small and require light to germinate, so surface sowing is essential for success.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from March to May. Scatter the fine seeds onto the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost. Do not cover the seeds with soil—light is needed to trigger the sprouting process. Keep at a consistent 15-20°C; seedlings usually emerge in 10-14 days.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and a warm, sheltered spot. They thrive in well-drained, sandy soil and hate having "wet feet." This makes them ideal candidates for terracotta pots on a sunny patio or the top of a well-drained kitchen garden bed.

Ongoing Care:
Pinch out the tips of the stems in early summer to encourage the plant to stay bushy and prevent it from flowering too early. To dry Marjoram for the winter, harvest the stems just as the "knots" (buds) appear but before they open—this is when the perfumed oils are at their most intense.

Marjoram is a Mediterranean classic that pairs perfectly with other sun-worshipping herbs from our collection:

• 🌿 Sage (Broad Leaved): The Stuffing Duo. Marjoram and Sage are the two essential herbs for traditional English roasts. Plant them together in a sunny container for a convenient "Sunday Lunch" herb station right outside your door.
• 🧱 Thyme (Common): The Dry Border. Both Thyme and Marjoram are low-growing, small-leaved plants that love lean, dry soil. They look beautiful growing side-by-side in a gravel garden or rockery.

Sow indoors in spring for a summer-long supply of fragrant, culinary leaves.