Sweet Marjoram - Origanum majorana - €6per plant 

Pot Marjoram is a perennial herb that is commonly used for culinary purposes. The sweet pine and citrus flavors are often used to flavour meats, salads, vinegars, and casserole dishes. The plant also has extensive medicinal properties and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness. It will grow well in a sunny position but tolerates some shade. The plant will attract bees and butterflies when in flower during the summer. It is reported to be a good companion in the vegetable garden improving the flavour of nearby crops.  To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: Europe
  • native habitat: Dry slopes and rocky places, occasionally in partial shade, to 1500 metres in Turkey
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators


  • We haven't had any experience of pests or predators 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun, semi shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9
  • Can tolerate dry soil
  • Prefers well drained soil
  • Likes protection in the winter

Known hazards 

  • Possible allergic reactions as to basil, hyssop, lavender, mint, oregano and sage: Marjoram can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to these plants and other members of the Lamiaceae family of plants.

Overview

  • Perennial growing to 0.6 m by 0.6 m
  • It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils, but prefers neutral to alkaline soils
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  • It thrives in gritty, sandy loams

Characteristics

  • form: Herbaceous perennial or annual   
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: Typically grows in an upright mound
  • height x width (m): 0.6 x 0.6

Products 

  • Leaf: Often used to flavou
  • r meats, salads, vinegars, and casserole dishes.
  • Medicinal: Bro
  •  It has a stronger affect on the nervous system than the related oregano (O. vulgare). 
  • The herb is antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and mildly tonic.
  • Oil: Marjoram oil is used to scent soap and perfume pomades.

Functions, behaviours

  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Flavour is strongest right before flower buds open in summer. Harvesting at this time will also reduce seed set and encourage herbaceous development.
  • Good heat and drought tolerance.
  • Marjoram is a favourite of bees and butterflies
  • A good companion plant, improving the flavour of nearby plants
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project