Marjoram Origanum majorana
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Mediterranean and southwest Asia. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
Plan Marjoram in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Marjoram at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–16 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowering tops |
| Native to | Mediterranean and southwest Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Marjoram toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, essential oil
Related oregano is listed as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (essential oils); pet values here are estimated from that listing.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Marjoram
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Marjoram
- How far apart should I plant Marjoram?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Marjoram need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Marjoram need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Marjoram?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Marjoram flower?
- About 11–16 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Marjoram poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Related oregano is listed as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (essential oils); pet values here are estimated from that listing.
- What grows well with Marjoram?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Marjoram. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Tender perennial (hardy to about -7 C in mild climates) grown as an annual in cool-temperate gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare