marjoram - wild marjoram
wild marjoram or Origanum vulgare
- approx 200 seeds
- £2.49
- available to order from summer
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Loose clusters of pink or white flowers appear from mid-summer to early autumn above the strongly aromatic, dark green leaves. Oregano is an essential plant for a well-stocked, sunny herb garden that has soil on the alkaline/chalky side.
The leaves have a slightly milder flavour than Greek Oregano and are an important ingredient for sauces and pizza toppings. They may also be marinated to make flavoured oil that can be used in salad dressings. An excellent herb for drying, the leaves will have the strongest flavour just before the plant starts to flower.
Garden care:
Sow: September to May
Harvest: July to November
The leaves have a slightly milder flavour than Greek Oregano and are an important ingredient for sauces and pizza toppings. They may also be marinated to make flavoured oil that can be used in salad dressings. An excellent herb for drying, the leaves will have the strongest flavour just before the plant starts to flower.
Plant in well-drained, light soil in full sun, or good quality potting compost for pots, adding grit if needed for drainage. Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry spells. Trim after flowering to keep plants bushy and compact, and mulch or protect in colder regions over winter.
Divide every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigour. Harvest leaves and shoots as needed, picking before flowering for the best flavour. Dry stems in small bunches in a warm, airy spot and store the crumbled leaves in airtight jars for use in Mediterranean-style dishes and sauces.
Divide every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigour. Harvest leaves and shoots as needed, picking before flowering for the best flavour. Dry stems in small bunches in a warm, airy spot and store the crumbled leaves in airtight jars for use in Mediterranean-style dishes and sauces.
Sow shallowly in trays or pots filled with good quality seed compost and thin out when large enough to handle. Pot on as the seedlings grow and gradually acclimatise before planting out into a sunny spot after all frosts have passed, allowing 30cm (12in) between each plant.
Avoid overwatering, particularly in winter and keep fertilisers to a minimum to ensure the best flavour. Frequently pinching it back will encourage compact, bushy growth.
Avoid overwatering, particularly in winter and keep fertilisers to a minimum to ensure the best flavour. Frequently pinching it back will encourage compact, bushy growth.