Marjoram
(Origanum majoriana). Marjoram is a perennial member of the mint family. Its fuzzy leaves produce a delicious pungent oil that is most abundant just as the flower buds form. This frost-sensitive perennial has variable ability to survive winter (mixed reports claim hardiness from USDA zones 8-5); often grown as an annual. Native to the Mediterranean and Asia Minor, marjoram has been used medicinally and ceremonially since ancient times. Start indoors or surface sow directly into the garden once the threat of frost has passed. Surface sow seeds and gently press into the soil as light aids germination. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days. Ideal germination temperature is 65-75F. Marjoram prefers full sun and fairly dry, well-draining soil.
