Is Marjoram a Perennial Undershrub?
The marjoram plant is a perennial undershrub with a distinctive pine and citrus flavour. It is often confused with oregano, but is often used in place of it. Depending on the cultivar, you can use it for a variety of purposes, including cooking and perfume. It is a popular culinary herb, particularly in Mediterranean countries. The different types are sweet and knotted marjoram. Here is a look at how to grow marjoram.
Marjoram is a hardy perennial that will tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions. Seeds should be planted in a sunny spot at least six to eight weeks before the average last frost. They should be planted two to four inches below the soil’s surface. The seedlings will germinate within 10 days, so it is best to plant them in moist conditions and under a grow light. In the fall, they will need additional protection from the cold.
For optimal results, cutworms and spider mites must be controlled before they cause damage to your plant. Invest in some foil collars to protect the leaves and stems. You can also use a copper fungicide to prevent these pests. Flies may be a problem, too, but you can control them with a yellow sticky trap. In case of sap flies, you can treat them with neem oil or copper fungicide.
You can grow marjoram by propagating the plant using its seeds. Simply break the top of a fresh stem and use it for rooting. If you have any difficulty, you can also start the seeds indoors. Usually, this method is more successful than direct sowing, so follow these steps to grow a healthy marjoram plant. When a fresh plant emerges from its stem, the plant will be ready to eat.
Because marjoram plants tend to trail, it needs plenty of light, but it can grow in a pot too. A six-inch pot or a wide one will be best, as the plant will need more surface area. You can also make your own potting mix by mixing equal parts soil and decomposed granite. This will result in an acidic or alkaline soil, so be sure to add a little extra peat moss to the soil.
If you’re growing marjoram plants outdoors, you can transplant them into the ground after the risk of frost has passed. Unlike oregano, marjoram does not require a special container or should be moved into the garden. It will survive in the garden for three to four years, so the plant can be moved around without much trouble. You should plant marjoram in full sun. Alternatively, you can plant it in a container or a pot in a sunny, sheltered location.
If you have a large yard, you can plant marjoram in pots. You can also grow marjoram cuttings by cutting a mature plant into six-inch stems. Dip the leaves in a rooting hormone and then plant them in soil that has been pre-moisturized. The soil should be kept dry at all times to prevent the stems from becoming brittle. If you haven’t already dried them, you can use neem oil to cure them.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://diygardeningtips.com/herb-gardens/growing-summer-savory-and-winter-savory/