Origanum majorana (Sweet Marjoram) is a popular herb plant that is native to Cyprus, Turkey, Western Asia and the Arabian Peninsula. Sweet Marjoram enjoys warm, sunny climates where it fills the air with sweet aromas and beautiful pink flowers. It is also highly medicinal and was once known as the herb of happiness.
Suitable for Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Origanum majorana is also commonly known as Knotted Marjoram, Pot Marjoram and simply Marjoram and is renowned for its sweet smelling pine and citrus flavours.
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Growth
Origanum majorana is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows to 50cm (20 inches) tall by 50cm (20 inches) wide. Sweet Marjoram is easy to grow in warm climates that remain consistently above 10°C / 50°F but can be cultivated as annuals in temperate climates when sown after the last frost.
In garden beds, Sweet Marjoram provides plenty of benefits to plants that are nearby. The pink flowers produce an attractive nectar for both bees and butterflies while the leaves emit aromas that detract some of the less welcome insects.
In ideal climates, it takes around 80-90 days to harvest leaves from Sweet Marjoram.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10-30°C / 50-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 50cm (20 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 50cm (20 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual or Perennial depending on climate.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
80-90 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days at temperatures between 15-22°C / 62-72°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 4500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT ORIGANUM MAJORANA (Sweet Marjoram)
Origanum majorana was a highly regarded herb by the Ancient Greeks and Romans who used Sweet Marjoram as a symbol for happiness. The Greeks also believed that Aphrodite created the plant.
Sweet Marjoram is related to the Celtic pagan holiday that would eventually become Halloween. It is also used in rituals in some traditional Jewish religions.
Renowned Ancient medical practitioner, Hippocrates, used Sweet Marjoram as an antiseptic. Over many centuries, the plants leaves and oil has been used to help with colds, coughs, cramps, depression, headaches, arthritis, chest infections, muscle aches and as a mouthwash.
In traditional medicines, Sweet Marjoram is used in teas, poultices, tinctures, infusions and has been made into a popular essential oil.
For more information regarding the medicinal properties of Sweet Marjoram please click here.
