How to Grow Marjoram
Origanum majorana
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 8°C and soil has warmed to at least 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed. Prefers poor to moderate, well-drained soil.
- Sweet marjoram has the best flavour but is frost-tender. Pot marjoram (oregano) is hardier but coarser.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 25 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Sweet marjoram is frost-tender in the UK; grow as a summer annual.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Rarely needed. Prefers poor to moderate, well-drained soil.
- Watch for
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- Aphids
- Spider mites
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green insects on growing tips, sticky honeydew, distorted new growth
- Blast off with a jet of water
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies
- Soft soap spray
- Pyrethrum-based contact insecticide
Pest Red Spider Mite
Identification: Fine webbing on shoot tips, tiny red-brown mites on leaf undersides, leaves become speckled and bronzed
- Increase humidity by misting regularly
- Biological control with Phytoseiulus persimilis predatory mites under glass
- Remove badly affected shoots
- Fatty acid or plant oil-based sprays
Disease Root Rot Phytophthora spp. / Pythium spp.
Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, soft brown roots, plant collapses
Treatment: Remove affected plants. Improve drainage before replanting.
Prevention: Plant in well-drained soil or add grit to heavy ground. Use terracotta pots with good drainage. Water sparingly.
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe spp.
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems, affected leaves yellow and drop
Treatment: Remove affected growth. Improve air circulation.
Prevention: Space plants well. Avoid overhead watering. Grow in full sun with good airflow.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–22°C |
| Base growth temperature | 8°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10.5h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Marjoram?
- Plant Marjoram 25cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Marjoram?
- Marjoram is ready to harvest approximately 45 days after transplanting.
- Is Marjoram frost hardy?
- Marjoram is classified as Tender.
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