Marjoram Herb

Sweet marjoram herb (origanum majorana) smells so good you can use it to add fragrance to potpourris and sachets, but make sure to save some to eat.

Sweet marjoram is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavors.

It is also called Knotted marjoram, or Majorana hortensis.

Marjoram and oregano are very similar, except marjoram is a little sweeter.

Marjoram has many culinar uses in the kitchen, but also is used for medicinal remedies, homemade cosmetics, and crafts.

Description

Marjoram is a perennial that is grown as an annual. It grows to about 1 foot tall in zones 9 to 10.

Flowers: In late summer to early fall, clusters of flower spikes appear. The flower buds look like knots before they open into tiny white or pink blooms.

Leaves: Sweet marjoram has opposite, fuzzy, oval leaves from 1/4 to 1 inch long.

Flavor and fragrance: Marjoram has a flavor that is both sweet and spicy and has a delicate aroma.

How To Grow

When to plant: Start the seeds indoors about eight to ten weeks before your last spring frost, planting three to five seeds in each pot. Sweet marjoram is slow to germinate and tiny when young. Transplant the seedlings to the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Take cuttings in spring or early summer.

Where to plant: Marjoram prefers full sun but wil tolerate partial shade.

Soil and fertility: Plant in sandy, well-drained of low to moderate fertility. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry between waterings.

Plant spacing: Space the plants 6 to 8 inches apart.

Pests: Usually pest-free

Diseases: Usually disease-free

Harvesting

When to harvest: Pick the individual leaves anytime after the plant is 6 to 8 inches tall. For best quality, gather the leaves in the morning after the dew dries. Cut the stems with leaves before the plants bloom for drying in quantity.

How to harvest: Snip branch tips when taking just a bit. Cut the whole stems for drying.

Drying: Hang the stems upside down to air dry.

Freezing: You can freeze the leaves in butter, oils, or ice cubes.

Uses

Cooking: You can use fresh leaves in salads, or as garnishes. Sweet marjoram is somewhat milder and sweeter than oregano but carries much of the same flavor. Use it to season cheese, beef, pork, and cabbage-family vegetables.

Medicinal: Sweet marjoram infusions settle upset stomachs and are used a gargle for mouth and throat inflammations.

Cosmetic: Add to bath water for a wonderful fragrance and energizing effect.

Crafts: Add sweet marjoram herb to sachets or a potpourri mix.