Marjoram

Family. Lamiaceae.

Origin. Mediterranean.

Description. Marjoram is a multi-stemmed, perennial subshrub with vertically growing stems. The leaves are light green, oval, soft, pubescent, up to 2 cm long, arranged oppositely, and emit a pleasant aroma when damaged. The leaf blades have slight pubescence. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, appear in the upper part of the stems, white or pinkish, tubular. There are variegated varieties.

Height. Up to 60 cm, grows quickly.

Growing at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant that can be kept at normal room temperature all year round.

Lighting

Well-lit location without direct sunlight.

Care

Regularly pinch the tops of young stems so that the bush branches abundantly. Trim too long shoots in the spring, before flowering. Remove weak and old branches.

Soil

Well-drained soil with a neutral or alkaline pH around 6.9. 

Growing conditions - feeding

Feed with water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season. In autumn and winter, fertilizing can be done every month.

Purpose

Marjoram leaves are used as a seasoning and the plant will look great in a hanging basket.

Flowering time

 From July to August.

Air humidity

Spray the plant with water at room temperature if the indoor air becomes too dry. Make sure that moisture evaporates from the leaves before dusk. 

Soil moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy during the spring and summer. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced, and in the winter months the soil is dried to a depth of about 6 - 7 cm between waterings.

Transfer

Marjoram is replanted annually, in spring, with the beginning of new growth. The bush develops quickly, but has a shallow root system, so shallow pots can be used for planting.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds sown in spring; germination is very long. Stem cuttings about 8 cm long. Air layering or dividing large plants during transplantation.

Pests and diseases

Root rot in the presence of stagnant moisture, rust.

Among the pests that can bother the flower are spider mites, aphids, thrips and marjoram moth.

Note

For culinary use, the leaves are collected before flowering - at this time their taste will be more delicate. The bush should be periodically replaced with a new plant, as with age it often loses its attractiveness.