Over the spring and summer , you might notice a whole new assortment of seeds and herbs at your local garden core . Although not quite as uncouth as your sweet basil and mint varieties , marjoram is one of theeasiest herbs to growin a kitchen garden . Long used as a home remedy for ailments affecting the digestive and nervous systems , it feature a sweet , down-to-earth flavor reminiscent of oregano . Here ’s everything you need to know about this versatile , culinary herbaceous plant , from its potential benefit to its care requirements .

Benefits of marjoram

While a luscious culinary herb all on its own , oregano has also long been a home remedy for many dissimilar complaint as a tea or extract . Research shows that some compounds in winter sweet haveantioxidant propertiesto protect against cellular harm because of free radical , as well as anti - inflammatory benefit that can lower peril of disease like diabetes . Plus , it ’s commonly used to assist with digestive issues like belly ulcers and foodborne illnesses . Marjoram may aid with shape such as Great Depression and anxiety as well . Aromatherapists often apply marjoram fossil oil as a folk remedy forconditions such as headache and nervousness .

How to plant marjoram

The easiest way to grow marjoram is by potting up a few works cells from your local nursery or by asking a friend to divide their works by the root to give you a cutting . Starting marjoram from seed can be tricky since they ’re dull to germinate , but it ’s not on the whole impossible . If you plan on eventually keeping your Origanum vulgare in the garden , start your seminal fluid indoors in early spring — that is , one or two month before the final frost . Do n’t forget to inebriate your seeds overnight to expedite the sprouting process , which can take around a week or two . Then , place your seeds in a potting mix , sprinkle a little soil over them , and water thoroughly — you may use seed - jump cellular telephone or institute your semen right away into your container . As your marjoram seedlings farm , they ’ll revalue bright brightness and evenly moist , well - debilitate territory . After 40 to 45 days , your marjoram should be quick for harvest !

How to care for marjoram

Growing pot marjoram indoors is relatively promiscuous as long as you give it Light Within and do n’t overwater it . Room temperature is utter for winter sweet , as a range between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is idealistic for this industrial plant . You ’ll want to keep your plant in a slack , well - draining potting commixture . Marjoram is quite drought resistant and prefers drier conditions , so you want to irrigate it only roughly every workweek or whenever the grime feels juiceless to the touch . To prevent overwatering , keep your indoor Origanum vulgare plant in a terracotta pot , which will be more absolvitory if you by chance overwater . In gain to tolerating drier condition , oregano is n’t a heavy feeder . If you want , you could fertilise it once a month with a specialized liquified fertilizer for herbs .

Marjoram will do better with more light , so if it ca n’t get at least four hour of direct sun a day , practice a grow luminance for around 12 to 14 hours day by day . During the later summertime , cut off your marjoram flora back before it blooms to promote continual growth . you’re able to crop your plant life down to between one to two inches , and attempt to have it grow to no more than 12 inches high to keep it doable and hefty .

How to incorporate marjoram into your food

A staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes , marjoram is a various herb that gives food a piney , citrusy flavor . It ’s tight relate to pot marjoram , except it feature a sweet profile . you may add it to anything and everything — toss it in soup , stews , salad , vinegar , and meat dishes to enhance flavor ! If you ’re using it in lieu of oregano , add one - third more to your formula since it has a milder taste .

Harvesting marjoram is simple and straightforward . clip off a stem , bear the plant upside down , and pick off the leaves to use them invigorated . you may also leave the sprigs to dry by hanging them , then storing them in a cool , wry piazza for next employment .

To zest up your indoor kitchen garden , add a pot of Origanum vulgare to your herbaceous plant collection . A adorable alternative to oregano with many potential health benefits , marjoram is humble care to grow and easy to comprise into your zesty dishes . With well - draining filth , good deal of brilliant light ( either from natural sunlight or a adequate grow luminance ) , and prudent watering , you could enjoy marjoram throughout the year .