Marjoram

Origanum majorana, sweet marjoram

Marjoram is one of the herb garden residents who manage to find a place in your heart. It doesn’t start out that way. The appearance is a bit olive drab, their kitchen use is not as in demand as other high profile herbs, but over time you may find an attachment to this soft spoken planting.

It is sometimes used in the mix of the Herbes de Provence, which are a blend of herbs which add savory nuance to dishes such as stews, soups, chicken dishes, and cheese. Personally, this herb, and the Herbes de Provence mixture are favorites in my cooking right now.

Every year I have paid a pretty penny for plants from the garden stores. This year, I have decided to grow my own from seed and hope to have a complete row of aromatic sweet marjoram to make the wreaths, and spice the cooking… as well as the subtle grace of this plant I like so well tucked into containers.

Since there are several plants that go by the name “Marjoram”, it is wise to use the Latin name to clarify which plant is meant:Origanum hortensis (Fam. Labiatae), also known as “knotted marjoram”. Origanum vulgare is the “oregano” of Italian culinary fame- it has a much stronger taste than marjoram.

Indeed, sir, she was the sweet Marjoram of the salad, or rather, the herb of grace.

[The look]

Somewhat felty green to gray green leaves, small similarly colored crenallated buds with a bit of white flower, they grow on wiry stems that form a full burst of branches, kept bushy by regularly harvesting the growth.

[The needs]

A tender perennial, it will not withstand frost, so each year in the North it must be planted from cuttings , or started plants. The seeds are slow to germinate and the recommended time to begin growing the seeds is six to seven weeks before the frost dates. Full sun, good,well drained soil, moderate moisture will make marjoram happy. Neutral to alkaline pH soil and good air circulaiton. Many of the same conditions that herbs in general grow well in suits this plant, as well. Pinch back the tops of the plants to encourage branching and promote bushy growth. Hardy in zones 9 and 10.

In the vegetable garden you can set plants eight to ten inches apart in rows a foot apart

[Uses]

Besides cookery, I have loved having a little wreath made of the dried cuttings. Marjoram holds its scent well for a long time, and they are easy to attach to a small wire frame. The softest green color is a welcome ornamentation to a kitchen wall, as well as a base for additions of small sprigs of dried flowers for color. Fresh wreaths of marjoram were used for weddings, and this would be a fragrant and lovely way to use its connotation of “happiness”.

It is recommended to cut before flowering for best flavor, but I liked to cut after the appearance of the flowers. It bears repeat cuttings, allowing to come to flower each time.

[Fun Facts]

A symbol of happiness in Greek and Roman times. The essential oil along with that of Rosemary can be used to deter spider mites.
Considered a good tonic, marjoram has reputed medicinal qualities. It is calming in effect.

The scent combines well with bergamot, basil, lavender,citrus, rosemary, thyme, pepper, German chamomile,black pepper, and thyme.

Shakespeare,Winter’s Tale, iv. 4

Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram;
The marigold, that goes to bed wi’ th’ sun,
And with him rises weeping; these are flow’rs
Of middle summer, and I think they are given
To men of middle age.

• Tangled Branches:Oregano, Marjoram, Zaatar, Whatever
• OU Food Resource
• WSU Marjoram as a crop; seed and plant sources