Pot Marjoram Origanum onites has aromatic green leaves (can form a mat in winter, semi-evergreen), clusters of tiny tubular pinky-purple flowers later in the summer and oodles of flavour from the spring onwards. The stems, leaves and flowers are edible, it is loved by bees (RHS listed pollinators plant) and even more information about it can be found below! Height 20-40cm, Perennial
Price for 50 seeds
SPRING: sow the very fine seeds in a seed tray but leave uncovered. They need a little bottom warmth. Keep the compost on the dry side. When large enough to handle pot up and grow on.
SUMMER: a place where they will not get waterlogged in the winter, plant about 25cm apart; closer for use as edging. Harvest a few leaves in the first year. Trim after flowering. Divide established plants
USES:
GREAT FOR WILDLIFE
- A very good bee plant
- Loved by Gatekeeper, Common Blue and Marbled White butterflies and a food plant for the Large Blue butterfly (endangered) and moths such as the Lace Border (in decline)
- Listed by the RHS as excellent for pollinators
EDIBLE
- Most think fresh is best you can also dry them or you can freeze the chopped leaves.
- From Pot Marjorm you will taste fresh, woody, citrusy & floral tones: a milder flavour than oregano, a little like thyme, but sweeter and with a stronger scent.
- The leaves, stems and flowers are all edible with the flowers making a delightful addition to a salad or as a garnish
- Mainly used for flavouring - add fresh leaves to pasta, pizza, salads, soups. It pairs particularly well with tomato dishes
- Dried marjoram is better for herb blends and marinades and for meat dishes add dried & crushed marjoram to mince before making meatballs
- The fresh or dried leaves can be brewed as a tea… you may prefer to add some honey to sweeten.
- Its flavour lasts longer in cooked dishes than other marjorams or oregano
IN THE GARDEN
- Spreading habit producing pinky-purple flowers in summer
- Combines well with other Mediterranean herbs in borders and raised beds. It will also grow well in containers on a sunny patio or in a greenhouse or conservatory Good for container planting
- Prefers full sun
- Well drained to dry soil
- Good drainage required to maintain good plant health. Sunny situation in winter
- Pinch out the tops and flowers to promote branching and leaf growth
HISTORICAL
- The Ancient Greeks thought Origanum onites was created by Aphrodite
- Hippocrates (credited with the code of ethics known as the Hippocratic Oath) knew Marjoram as an antiseptic
- To the Romans it was the herb of happiness, and was believed to increase lifespan
- It is thought to have spread to the British Isles during the Middle Ages – although much more likely to have arrived in Roman times
- It is known that Marjoram was not widely used in the USA until after World War II
MEDICINAL: see caution below
- Marjoram is popular in traditional and alternative medicine
- Historically the fresh or dried leaves were brewed as a tea, considered helpful to treat colds, coughs, and asthma, to aid digestion, help regulate menstrual cycles, increase milk supply during breastfeeding, and decrease blood pressure… currently colds/ flu, stomach upsets
- Not all of its historic uses are scientifically backed, the plant has verifiable medical use as containing antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial with dried Marjoram registering some anti-inflammatory properties
- Caution: it is not advisable to consume Marjoram whilst pregnant and anybody wishing to use plants for medicinal effect are advised to consult their medical professional
- Please Note: we do not promote the medicinal use of plants – guidance and information should be sought elsewhere.
OTHER
- The flowers, after cutting, can last three weeks in water
- An essential oil extracted from the leaves is used in perfumery
- Use in a pot pourri
Your basket is empty.
