How to grow Marjoram

At a glance

🌱 Grow your Marjoram with GardenDex

• Reminders to water it, timed to your weather and whether it's in a pot
• Frost and disease alerts for your garden, the night before
• Follow it from seed to harvest, and see what your garden grew in $
• Point your camera at any plant or bug to identify it

🗓️ When to plant

Sow seeds indoors in early spring 6–8 weeks before the last frost, or transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost when soil is warm. In mild climates, direct sow in mid-spring.

🌰 How to plant

1. Start seeds indoors in seed trays under lights, keeping soil consistently moist until germination (7–14 days).
2. Transplant seedlings into individual pots once they have 2–3 true leaves.
3. Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before moving outdoors after the last frost.
4. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil, spacing 30 cm (12 in) apart.

💧 Care

• Pinch off flower buds and the top 5 cm (2 in) regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering.
• Water when the soil surface is dry, but reduce watering in cooler months or wet climates.
• Feed monthly with a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season.
• Mulch lightly around plants to retain warmth and moisture in cooler regions.

🧺 Harvest

Pinch off tender leaves and sprigs anytime once the plant is established, ideally in the morning after dew dries. For drying, harvest just before flowering when oils are most concentrated, cutting stems back to about 5 cm (2 in) from the base.

🐛 Common problems

Root rot: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering; if affected, repot into fresh, dry soil immediately.

Spider mites: Spray foliage with water or neem oil to control infestations, especially in hot, dry conditions.

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoiding wet foliage; remove affected leaves if needed.

🤝 Companion plants

💚 Good neighbours: Thyme, Oregano, Lavender, Rosemary

⚠️ Keep apart from: Fennel, Basil

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