| Called the "herb of happiness," Origanum | | | | Hang the lights 6 inches (15 cm) from the plants |
| majorana, commonly known as sweet marjoram | | | | and leave on for 14 hours a day. |
| or knotted marjoram, is an herbal symbol of | | | | In the garden, marjoram entices bees and |
| peace and well-being. Marjoram is grown as an | | | | butterflies for maximum nectar production and |
| annual in the colder parts of the world but is | | | | pollination. It is a good companion plant for all |
| perennial in warmer regions. To keep it growing as | | | | vegetables especially beets, eggplant, pumpkin, |
| a perennial, bring it indoors for the winter. | | | | onions, and zucchini as it aids in their growth and |
| Marjoram may be grown as a houseplant and as | | | | fights off insects. Grow marjoram in pots in the |
| it has a tendency to trail when grown indoors, it | | | | garden as well as in the soil. In the kitchen, use in |
| makes a nice hanging basket. Marjoram has small, | | | | tomato dishes, onions, dairy, eggs, potato salad, |
| grey-green, oval-shaped leaves that are velvety | | | | soups, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, oil dressings |
| to the touch. Tiny white or pink flowers, reddish | | | | for salads, carrots, and cauliflower. Fresh leaves |
| stems, and the grey-green colour of the leaves | | | | and young shoots can be added to salads. It is a |
| make marjoram an attractive border plant. | | | | major ingredient, usually dried, in sausages, poultry |
| Marjoram grows 10 - 24 inches (25 - 60 cm) tall. | | | | seasonings, Italian recipes, or stuffings. Sprinkle |
| Cultivation requirements: does best in full sun (will | | | | fresh or dried marjoram on pizza. Sprinkle finely |
| tolerate slight shade); well-drained soil; no fertiliser; | | | | chopped fresh leaves on meat or fish before |
| water soil sparingly but do not let dry out; pinch | | | | roasting, grilling, or baking. A tea can be made |
| back the tips or harvest sprigs to use in cooking | | | | with marjoram to treat colds, headaches, and |
| to keep it bushy and productive. | | | | stomach upsets. Add 3 teaspoons (15 mL) fresh |
| Marjoram is easily grown from seed or cuttings. | | | | marjoram to 1 cup (250 mL) boiling water. Let |
| For spring planting, start seed indoors 6 - 8 | | | | steep, then drink slowly. Use marjoram sparingly |
| weeks before your last frost date. Keep the soil | | | | as it is deceptively potent. Add during the last 10 |
| moist during germination. After germination, move | | | | minutes of cooking. |
| the seedlings into a sunny position, and transplant | | | | Marjoram will keep several days in the |
| into the garden after all danger of frost has | | | | refrigerator. The leaves can be harvested as soon |
| passed. If you are bringing marjoram plants | | | | as the plant starts blooming. The leaves dry easily |
| in-doors for over-wintering, pot up in fresh potting | | | | and can also be frozen. Many cooks prefer |
| soil. Check for critters and if your plants are | | | | marjoram rather than oregano (closely related), |
| infected, spray with a soap and water spray. | | | | as marjoram is much less pungent. To make |
| Marjoram requires at least 5 hours of sunlight a | | | | potpourri, dry leaves whole and then crush to |
| day. If you are growing marjoram on a windowsill, | | | | release the scent. |
| turn frequently to ensure all sides receive light. | | | | For tips on celosia caracas and celosia plumosa, |
| Marjoram can be grown under fluorescent lights. | | | | visit the Celosia Flower website. |