How to Grow Marjoram
Origanum majorana
Marjoram (sweet/mild) thrives in full sun and well-drained, light soil; it prefers warmth and is tender in cold winters, so grow as an annual or in containers you can protect. Pinch young plants to branch, water sparingly, and avoid rich feeding for best flavour. Harvest tips regularly to keep growth compact. In autumn, pot up a clump to overwinter bright and frost-free, or take cuttings for next year.
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.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
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.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–22°C
Pet Safety
- 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.
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.
