MARJORAM Seeds, Sweet

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an heirloom, open-pollinated culinary herb with small gray-green leaves and a warm, sweet, oregano-like flavor. Compact and fragrant, it is a Mediterranean kitchen favorite.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Origanum majorana
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated herb (tender perennial, often grown as annual)
• Mature height: 12 to 18 inches
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile, slightly alkaline
• Spacing: 12 to 18 inches

Best for

• Soups, stews, and sauces
• Roasts and poultry
• Herb blends and dressings
• Containers and herb gardens

How to grow

Sow in full sun and well-drained soil after the last frost, or start indoors. Keep the soil moderately moist. Harvest sprigs as needed, which encourages bushy growth. Pinch back flower buds to keep the leaves tender and flavorful. In cold climates, grow as an annual or overwinter indoors.

Flavor profile

Warm, sweet, and gently aromatic, milder and sweeter than oregano, with floral and pine notes.

About 99Heirlooms

99Heirlooms is a seed company devoted to heirloom and open-pollinated varieties, giving home gardeners dependable seeds with the character and heritage of generations past.