Marjoram Pot

Pot Marjoram Origanum onites: aromatic, versatile, and bee-friendly!

This compact perennial (grows to around 20–40cm tall) brings fresh, zesty flavour from spring onwards. Its aromatic green leaves often form a low mat of greenery in winter (semi-evergreen), making it useful year-round in the garden or on a balcony.

In late summer, it bursts into clusters of tiny pinky-purple tubular flowers that are a magnet for pollinators – it's listed by the RHS as a top plant for bees. Better still, the leaves, stems, and flowers are all edible, making it a must-have for any kitchen gardener.

Perfect for borders, pots, or herb beds – and ideal for small spaces.

Big flavour, small footprint – grow Pot Marjoram anywhere you call home.

This variety is part of our naturally nurtured range, the seed comes from an organic source

🌱 Seasonal Growing Guide

SPRING:

• Sow the very fine seeds on the surface of the compost in a seed tray - do not cover.
• Provide a little bottom heat to help with germination.
• Keep the compost just slightly moist (not too wet).
• Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them up and grow on.

SUMMER

• Plant out in a sunny spot with good drainage (avoid waterlogged areas).
• Space about 25cm apart, or closer if using as an edging plant. Lightly harvest a few leaves in the first year.
• Trim plants after flowering to keep them tidy and encourage fresh growth.
• Divide established plants if needed

USES:

GREAT FOR WILDLIFE

• A magnet for bees of all kinds, especially honey bees and short-tongued bumblebees.
• Loved by butterflies including the Gatekeeper, Common Blue, and Marbled White.
• A food plant for the endangered Large Blue butterfly and moths like the declining Lace Border.
• RHS-listed as excellent for pollinators—ideal for supporting native UK species.

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