Growing and Saving the Seed Of Marjoram


Latin name Origanum majoriana is a perennial member of the mint family. Fuzzy leaves produce delicious, pungent oil that is most abundant just as the flower buds form. Frost-sensitive perennial with variable ability to survive winter (mixed reports claim hardiness from USDA zones 8-5). Often grown as an annual.


 

HISTORY

Native to the Mediterranean and Asia Minor. Used medicinally and ceremonially since ancient times. Rosemary Gladstar mentions it in her book Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide as a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant herb that also treats insomnia and nervousness.


USES

  • A culinary herb
  • Traditional medicinal uses

 

 


 

  • Seeds germinate in 8-14 days.
  • Start indoors or direct sow, after frost. Surface sow seeds, as light aids germination.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 70 F.
  • Do not sow in frost conditions.

 

  • Prefers full sun.
  • Provide fairly dry, fully drained soil.
  • Space plants 6-12 inches apart.
  • Plants reach 1 foot tall.
  • Ideal growing temperature is 70s in the daytime and in the 60s at night.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Perennials will thrive for 2 years before becoming woody and less palatable.
  • Take cuttings and make new plants if they become too woody for your liking.

 

  • Seeds are mature when flower heads have completely dried to brown.
  • Cut flower spikes and place them in a paper bag.
  • Allow the seeds to completely dry and drop, shaking the bag to loosen seeds.
  • Separate chaff from seeds and store in a cool, dry place.
  • More people propagate via cuttings because it is easier than growing from seeds.