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.
