Suffolk Herbs Sweet Marjoram

Sweet Marjoram is part of the Oregano family, having much the same flavour but only sweeter. This variety is only perennial in very mild areas or if given winter cover. It has fine flavoured grey green leaves and prefers full sun. It can grow to a height of 30cm (12").

Sweet marjoram is a shrubby tender perennial that grows with wirey, red-brown stems and downy grey-green aromatic leaves. It produces tiny white flowers on clustered spikes in summer. It was believed that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, created sweet marjoram as a gentle symbol of happiness.

When to Sow Sweet Marjoram Seeds
Inside in March. Out side in May.

Sow Inside
In trays or pots at 20°C using a soil-less compost. Cover with fine soil. Prick out when large enough to handle and harden off before planting out in May.

Sow Outside
Cover with a very, very fine dusting of soil and water well. Germination of the tiny seed tends to be erratic. Prefers any good, alkaline, well drained, dry soil, in full sun. It hates wet winters and poor air circulation and likes a temperature of 22°C during the day and 15°F at night-time. Germination takes seven to 10 days. Sweet marjoram is frost-tender. Bring it indoors if frost threatens.

What to do next
When seedlings are large enough to handle, plant into pots. Once harden off plant out.

Harvest
Leaves at any time. For drying, the leaves and flowers should be cut before the sun is too hot.