Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an aromatic herb best known for its contribution to Mediterranean, North African, and Western Asian dishes. Like oregano, its flavor is milder, making it more suitable for salads, soups, and meat dishes.
On top of all its benefits to cooking, it is also a natural anti-inflammatory medicine with anti-microbial properties. Therefore, it is an excellent plant to have readily available at home. But how do you plant Marjoram at home? Here are some suggestions.
1. Select a Suitable Planting Site
Marjoram is a perennial herb. As such, it is better to grow it in a sunny and well-drained area to ensure its stability. Marjoram is a Mediterranean plant, so it has specific needs when it comes to weather. It needs to be warm and sunny during the day and not below 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
The perfect planting site for marjoram is one with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter because it detests wet and waterlogged soils. Moreover, it is an excellent plant to grow among smaller plants like carrots and herbs such as parsley and cilantro.
2. Divide the Site For Spacing, Depth, and Support
Marjoram grows best in a small area. Therefore, when planting it, make sure to leave sufficient spacing between plants. It will grow in a pot, but you will need to transplant it to the ground after several years.
While you can plant marjoram in the ground, you might want to grow it in pots for easy transplanting. However, do not forget to include support. A trellis, a basic tomato cage, or a fence are some of the structures you can use.
3. Provide Enough Sunlight
As mentioned, marjoram grows best in a sunny area. To maximize its production and beauty, you should ensure that it receives direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day. Ensure that its temperature does not get below 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
In addition to the sun, the plant will need a little protection from the heat. A bamboo blind to reduce heat and protection from the wind is something you can do to make sure the plant grows well.
4. Maintain a Balanced Temperature and Humidity
Marjoram does not like overly moist soil or weather because it will not thrive. You need to avoid watering the plant when the weather is overcast, rainy, or excessively sunny. Marjoram needs a balanced temperature of about 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. You can plant it outdoors during the spring and summer. However, you will need to bring it indoors during the fall and winter.
5. Add Good Soil
Marjoram is a Mediterranean plant, so it does best in well-drained soil that contains plenty of organic material. Nevertheless, you can improve the ground by adding fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash.
Conclusion
Whether you grow Marjoram in the ground or a pot, it is a beautiful addition to your garden. Despite its beauty, it will only grow well in well-drained soil that contains plenty of organic material.
Ensure that you provide it with the right amount of sunlight and temperature. You can expect the plant to grow up to three feet tall with the proper care. Moreover, you will be able to harvest the leaves and fruits at the end of summer.
Blossom & Groom aims to provide gardening tips to people new to gardening and those with experience. Our garden design ideas should help people in identifying the best practices for keeping a home garden thriving at all times. Grow your own food today by learning from our past blog posts on the website.