Marjoram
Origanum majorana · Lamiaceae
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⚠️ Les huiles essentielles peuvent provoquer vomissements ou diarrhée chez chiens et chats en cas d’ingestion importante.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant marjoram: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Origanum majorana
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Type
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- 60 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous, gray-green and downy
- Flowering
- June to August, white or pink flowers
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Tender, grow as an annual in cold climates
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Pinch out the young stems regularly so it branches well and doesn't become « leggy ». Harvest young leaves and flowers for cooking and to keep the plant in shape.
The common mistake
Don't pinch it and let it grow straight up: it becomes thin, flowers little, and loses its culinary qualities by the second year.
The pro's trick
Easy to propagate in spring: take 8 cm stem cuttings and plant them in moist sand in the shade.
Seasonal watch
September-October: start reducing watering and cut back on heavy harvesting.
Care
Exposure
Sweet marjoram requires full sun exposure (minimum 6 hours per day) to develop its best flavor and vigor. A sunny location also promotes the concentration of essential oils. In shade, the plant will become weak and lose its savory quality.
Watering
Water moderately and allow the soil to dry between waterings. Sweet marjoram prefers well-drained substrate and fears stagnant moisture, which can cause root rot. In pots, wait until the potting soil is dry to the touch before watering again.
Soil
Choose light, well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Incorporate sand or perlite if the ground is too compact. Sweet marjoram adapts well to chalky soils and tolerates dry soil once established.
Pruning and harvesting
Pinch back young stems regularly to encourage branching and a compact habit. Harvest leaves and flowers throughout the season, preferably in the morning after dew dries. This regular harvesting stimulates production and extends flowering.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Excess nitrogen favors foliage at the expense of flavor and can dilute essential oils. Prefer moderate and spaced-out feeding.
Diseases and pests
Sweet marjoram is generally hardy if air circulates well. In humid conditions, watch for powdery mildew and crown rot. A few spider mites can sometimes affect it indoors. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Did you know?
Sweet marjoram was already cultivated in ancient Egypt and used for medicinal and ritual purposes. The Greeks and Romans associated it with joy and offered it to newlyweds as a symbol of marital happiness. Its name 'majorana' likely comes from the Latin 'maior,' meaning 'greater,' as it surpasses its close relative oregano in aromatic strength.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.