Growing Sweet Marjoram, also Knotted marjoram

Origanum majorana : Lamiaceae / the mint family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    S  
                      T

(Best months for growing Sweet Marjoram in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 8 inches apart
  • Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Best flavour if picked before flowering.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicums, Chilis), Sage,
  • Sweet Majoram (commons.wikimedia.org - Lazaregagnidze - CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sweet marjoram, from the same family as oregano, is a fragrant and useful herb. The name Knotted Marjoram comes from the way the flowers are collected into roundish close heads like knots.

Can be sown direct but the seeds are very small and should be very lightly covered, so it is easier to sow in boxes and plant out at about 15 cm to 20 cm tall.

It does well in a container and can be grown under cover for use during the winter. It hates winter cold and wet and does best with a temperature of 22 C during the day and 15 C at night.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Sweet Marjoram

Sweet Marjoram has a mild oregano flavor with a hint of balsam.
Sweet Marjoram can be used as a substitute for oregano in sauces for mediterranean style pizza, lasagna, and eggplant parmigiana.

Your comments and tips

29 May 24, Katherine boys (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My sweet marjoram did not show knots as I'm accustomed to when I had it in another garden. Instead, it showed long (2cm) flower heads. I like the knots which are very pungent and wonderful in salads. Could the plant have been too well nourished? The leaves aren't really grey-green, just green, and not at all strong in taste.

Is there a variety of sweet marjoram hardy to zone 7?

- Anonymous

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.