By Nikki Phipps
(Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden)
Growing marjoram is a great way to add both flavor and fragrance in the kitchen or garden. Marjoram plants are also great for attracting butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden, making them ideal for use as companion plantings. Let’s look at how to grow marjoram.
What is Marjoram?
Marjoram is an easy to grow herb well suited for growing in containers as well as the garden. There are generally three varieties that are commonly grown—sweet marjoram, pot marjoram, and wild marjoram (also known as common oregano). All types of marjoram are popular for use in the kitchen as seasoning for numerous dishes. They’re also grown for their enticing fragrance.
How to Grow Marjoram Plant
Although marjoram plants are tender perennials, they are typically treated as annuals, as freezing temperatures will cause serious injury or death to the plants.
When growing marjoram plants, it’s generally best to start the seeds indoors during late winter or early spring. Push seeds just below the soil surface. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once all threat of frost has passed.
Marjoram should be located in areas receiving full sun with light, well-drained soil. Likewise, marjoram plants can be grown in containers indoors and treated as houseplants.
Marjoram Plant Care
Established plants require little care, other than occasional watering. Since marjoram is tolerant of drought, it makes an exceptional plant for beginner herb growers. If you happen to forget to water it, that’s ok.
There’s no need for fertilizer either when growing marjoram. It’s hardy enough to basically care for itself.
During mild weather, marjoram plants grown indoors can be taken outside and placed in a sunny area. However, container-grown plants should always be moved indoors or to another sheltered location once cold temperatures or frost is imminent.
Harvesting and Drying Marjoram Plant
In addition to growing marjoram for aesthetic purposes, many people harvest the plant for use in the kitchen. When harvesting marjoram, pick the shoots just before flowers begin to open. This results in the best flavor, as fully opened blooms produce a bitter taste. Bundle marjoram cuttings and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area.
Know that you know how to grow marjoram, you can add it to your herb garden.
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By Nikki Phipps
(Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden)
What is Marjoram?
Marjoram is an easy to grow herb well suited for growing in containers as well as the garden. There are generally three varieties that are commonly grown—sweet marjoram, pot marjoram, and wild marjoram (also known as common oregano). All types of marjoram are popular for use in the kitchen as seasoning for numerous dishes. They’re also grown for their enticing fragrance.
How to Grow Marjoram Plant
Although marjoram plants are tender perennials, they are typically treated as annuals, as freezing temperatures will cause serious injury or death to the plants.
When growing marjoram plants, it’s generally best to start the seeds indoors during late winter or early spring. Push seeds just below the soil surface. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once all threat of frost has passed.
Marjoram should be located in areas receiving full sun with light, well-drained soil. Likewise, marjoram plants can be grown in containers indoors and treated as houseplants.
Marjoram Plant Care
Established plants require little care, other than occasional watering. Since marjoram is tolerant of drought, it makes an exceptional plant for beginner herb growers. If you happen to forget to water it, that’s ok.
There’s no need for fertilizer either when growing marjoram. It’s hardy enough to basically care for itself.
During mild weather, marjoram plants grown indoors can be taken outside and placed in a sunny area. However, container-grown plants should always be moved indoors or to another sheltered location once cold temperatures or frost is imminent.
Harvesting and Drying Marjoram Plant
In addition to growing marjoram for aesthetic purposes, many people harvest the plant for use in the kitchen. When harvesting marjoram, pick the shoots just before flowers begin to open. This results in the best flavor, as fully opened blooms produce a bitter taste. Bundle marjoram cuttings and hang them upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area.
Know that you know how to grow marjoram, you can add it to your herb garden.
Print This Article - Printer Friendly Version
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