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Marjoram

Origanum majorana

HerbsToxic

Sweet, milder cousin of oregano that is treated as an annual in colder climates. Excellent dried herb for Mediterranean dishes.

Overview

SunFull Sun
WaterLowCalculate watering amount
Height20–40 cm
Spread45 cm
Spacing25 cm
Row Spacing30 cm
Germination7–14 days
To Harvest60–90 days

Companion Planting

Good Companions

PeaGreen Bean

Bad Companions

None

Toxicity

SeverityMildly toxic
Toxic toDogs, Cats

Contains gastrointestinal irritants that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats; safe for humans in normal culinary amounts.

Planting Tips

LocationFull sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; sheltered from cold winds.
SoilLight, well-drained, lean soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5; amend heavy soil with compost or sand.
Sowing Depth0.1 cm
Planting Depth3 cm
WateringWater lightly and allow soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established and sensitive to waterlogged roots.

1 cm of water per m² equals 10 liters. Use the Watering Calculator for exact amounts.

FertilizingGenerally needs no fertilizer; if applied, avoid nitrogen-rich products as they dilute the aromatic oils.

Care Tip: Start seeds indoors in late winter and transplant after last frost when soil is at least 15 °C; pinch back flowers to encourage bushier growth.

Common Pests

Aphids (Myzus persicae)

Symptoms: Sticky honeydew on leaves, yellowing or curling foliage, stunted growth.

Treatment: Spray with a strong water jet or apply insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs as natural predators.

Prevention: Inspect plants regularly, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, and encourage beneficial insects.

Spider Mites

Symptoms: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves, stippled or bronzed foliage, leaf drop in severe cases.

Treatment: Spray foliage with water to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation persists.

Prevention: Maintain adequate humidity around plants and avoid drought stress; remove heavily infested leaves promptly.

Common Diseases

Root Rot (Rhizoctonia solani / Fusarium spp.)

Symptoms: Wilting despite moist soil, brown or mushy roots, yellowing lower leaves and plant collapse.

Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants; drench soil with an approved fungicide and improve drainage immediately.

Prevention: Plant in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and rotate planting locations each season.

Rust (Puccinia spp.)

Symptoms: Small orange-brown pustules on undersides of leaves, yellowing and premature leaf drop.

Treatment: Remove and destroy infected foliage; apply a copper-based fungicide if the outbreak is severe.

Prevention: Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoid overhead watering.

Botrytis Blight (Gray Mold)

Symptoms: Gray fuzzy mold on stems and leaves, soft brown lesions, especially in cool damp conditions.

Treatment: Prune affected parts and improve air flow; apply a fungicide labeled for Botrytis if necessary.

Prevention: Avoid overcrowding, water at the base rather than overhead, and remove plant debris promptly.