Sweet Marjoram Seeds

Sweet Marjoram is a Half-Hardy Perennial (usually treated as a Half-Hardy Annual in the UK).

The Cold Truth: Unlike the bulletproof Oregano, Sweet Marjoram hates the cold. It will not survive a harsh British winter outside. Most gardeners grow it fresh from seed every spring, or grow it in pots and bring them into a greenhouse/kitchen windowsill for the winter.

Top Tip: Pinch it! To stop it getting leggy and flowering too early, pinch out the tips of the stems in early summer. This keeps the plant bushy and producing fresh, tender leaves for cooking.

Marjoram seeds are tiny and need warmth to get going.

Germination:
Sow indoors from February to May. Scatter the fine seeds on the surface of moist compost. Do not cover them (or use a tiny dusting of vermiculite), as they need light to germinate. Keep warm (15-20°C). Germination takes 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
It loves a warm, sunny, sheltered spot. It thrives in well-drained, sandy soil. It hates wet feet. It is the perfect candidate for a terracotta pot on a sunny patio where the sun can release its oils.

Care While Growing:
Water sparingly; it tastes better when grown "dry." Harvest leaves regularly. If you want to dry it for winter, cut the stems just as the "knots" (flower buds) appear but before they open—this is when the flavour is most intense.

Marjoram is a key ingredient in the "Mediterranean" herb garden:

• 🌿 Sage (Broad Leaved): The Stuffing Duo. Marjoram and Sage are the two essential herbs for a roast chicken stuffing. Plant them together in a sunny spot for a "Sunday Lunch" container.
• 🧱 Thyme (Common): The Dry Garden. Both Thyme and Marjoram are low-growing, small-leaved plants that love poor, dry soil. They look beautiful growing together in a rockery or gravel garden.

Sow indoors in spring. Harvest leaves from early summer to autumn.