Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Origanum majorana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet marjoram is widely used as a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables, legumes and oils. — Leaves - raw or cooked.; Sweet marjoram is widely used as a flavouring for salad dressings, vegetables, legumes and oils.; It has a more delicate flavour than the closely related oregano (Origanum vulgare), and is best when used fresh and only added towards the end of cooking.; The aromatic seeds are used as a flavouring in sweets, drinks etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry slopes and rocky places, occasionally in partial shade, to 1500 metres in Turkey. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)