Out of season right now. The next sowing window opens in March.
Growing Calendar
This month: Oct
Plan ahead for this crop
- •Check growing conditions
- •Prepare for next stage
Watch Out For
Frost kills marjoram outright: in the UK it's usually grown as a half-hardy annual, not a reliable perennial like its relative oregano
Cold, wet spring soil stalls germination and can rot seedlings: don't rush sowing or planting out before the soil has warmed
Flowering turns leaves bitter and woody: pinch out flower buds if a steady supply of leaves matters more than the flowers themselves
Common Questions
About growing Marjoram in the UK
Is marjoram hardy in the UK?
Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) is only half-hardy and is usually grown as an annual in the UK, killed by frost over winter. Pot marjoram (Origanum onites), a different species, is hardier and behaves more like a true perennial.
What's the difference between marjoram and oregano?
They're closely related, but marjoram has a sweeter, more delicate flavour and far less cold tolerance. Oregano is hardier and stronger-flavoured, and is the better choice if you want a plant that reliably comes back every year.
Can I overwinter marjoram indoors?
Yes, a potted marjoram plant can be brought indoors to a bright, cool windowsill or an unheated greenhouse before the first frosts, giving it a head start the following spring rather than starting again from seed.
Why has my marjoram stopped producing good leaves?
Once marjoram flowers, energy shifts from leaf production to seed, and the leaves that remain often taste more bitter. Pinch out flower buds as they appear if you want to keep harvesting good leaves for longer.
Written from real growing experience, organic methods only. Our story · Our approach
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