Latin Name: Origanum marjorana
Main Uses: Culinary herb
Zone Hardiness: 85 days
Exposure: Full Sun
Height: 30 cm (12 inches)
Flower Color: White (insignificant)
Flowering Time: Late summer
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination: 7-14 days at 21ºC.
Sowing Indoors:  Start 4-6 weeks before the last frost, in 3" pots. Plant 2 to 4 seeds per pot. Provide warmth and bright light. For best results, apply Sea Magic™ kelp from first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant.
Planting depth: 1/4" - push seed firmly into soil medium.
Spacing: space 6 to 12 inches apart.
Planting out: Harden off transplants in protected areas after the risk of frost has passed. Transplant into garden when transplants reach 3 to 4 inches in height. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil once seedlings have well-developed roots, the soil has warmed, and all chance of frost is past.  Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Growing in Containers: Marjoram does well in 6-inch pots and larger.

Fertilizing (Containers): Add 25% quality compost to your potting mix. Fertilize through the summer months with an all-purpose organic fertilizer.

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when soil is dry to the touch. Check daily during hot weather.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Marjoram mixes well with other culinary herbs and container vegetables.

Fertilizing (Garden): Amend garden soil annually with quality compost.

Watering (Garden): Water new transplants regularly to establish roots. Once established, water deeply as required.

Garden Companions: 

• Often planted with other culinary herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley, dill, cilantro and basil.

Special Requirements for Cold Climate Gardeners: Sweet Marjoram loves heat and well-drained soil - these are critical to its success. Seedlings require very good air circulation - thin seedlings to avoid damping off.

Pest/Disease Issues: Damping-off is a common problem when germinating marjoram seeds. Damping-off can be prevented by planting in high daylight conditions or under lights, ensuring good air circulation, not overcrowding seedlings, and applying Sea Magic™ kelp from first watering.

Suitability for Indoors: Not well-suited for indoors, unless under lights.

Exposure: 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight.

What about Grow Lights? Grow lights make a huge difference if growing marjoram indoors!

Indoor Container Suggestions: Grow in minimum 6", individual pots. Mixed planters are not recommended for indoors.

Winter Fertilizing: If growing under lights, fertilize monthly with a balanced organic fertilizer.

Winter Watering: If under lights, water deeply 1 to 2 times per week, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not keep soggy.

Special Instructions: If you decide to grow marjoram indoors, we recommend grow lights. Prune often to encourage bushiness and situation in a location with good air circulation.