Did you know.....? Oregano is a variety of wild Marjoram. Wild oregano has a much stronger flavour than it's sweeter cousin French Marjoram.
Step by step guide to growing fresh Marjoram
Prepare your site to grow marjoram
Marjoram can be sown outside in the garden, on a window ledge or in pots and containers on a patio. Herbs, including marjoram, like to be grown in a sunny position, normally facing south. Make sure that your chosen site is sheltered from wind. Most herbs like a well drained, light soil, but are really not too fussy where they grow, as long as they have plenty of sunshine.
When to plant marjoram seeds
Marjoram seeds are usually sown either in pots or directly into the ground in Spring. If sowing seeds direct, always sow more seeds than you need, as outdoor seed germination tends to be a little hit and miss.
How to plant marjoram seedlings
Each individual marjoram plant should be planted outside in May, or after the risk of frost has passed. Plant seedlings 8 inches apart, and water regularly, but sparingly, ideally in the mornings. Established marjoram plants can be dug up and divided in spring or autumn. Cuttings can be took from established plants during the summer months, but young plants should be shielded from severe frosts during the winter months.
Routine care of marjoram plants
Apart from the occasional weeding and regular watering, there is little else to do. To grow bushier marjoram plants, you can pick the youngest leaves, and pinch out the tip, as this encourages new growth from the bottom. Cut back the whole marjoram bush by two-thirds in autumn.
When to harvest marjoram
Marjoram can be harvested throughout the summer months, and is usually used fresh from the garden, but it can also be dried or frozen.
Storing marjoram for later use
Marjoram leaves should be picked just before the flowers start to open, particularly if you plan to dry of freeze them.
Recommended varieties of marjoram
French Marjoram - Grows upto 2ft in height and offers a profusion of white, pink or purple flowers
Sweet Marjoram - Smaller than French Marjoram, but it is stonger in taste
Wild Marjoram - Also known as Oregano, this wild variety of marjoram is often used on pizza's and has a stronger taste than either the French or Sweet marjoram
Recipe using Marjoram or Oregano.....
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Growing Fresh Oregano and Marjoram....
