How to Grow Marjoram in Australia
A year-round herb crop for the home garden
Growing Marjoram rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you. It is rated beginner to grow. Saves ~$2-4/week, perennial in mild climates that produces for years with minimal effort.
This guide covers when to plant Marjoram in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to sow and space it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Marjoram is a year-round crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Varieties to Try
Sweet Marjoram
The classic culinary marjoram. Grey-green oval leaves, delicate sweet flavour. Compact plant, good for borders and pots.
Try: Yates, Mr Fothergill's, Bunnings, Green Harvest
Italian Oregano (hybrid)
Marjoram-oregano cross with the sweetness of marjoram and hardiness of oregano. Best of both worlds.
Try: Green Harvest, Diggers
Position and Soil
Give Marjoram full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 8. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 20cm+, which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Sowing and Spacing
Sow seed on the surface, barely covered. Thin or space plants to about 25 cm apart. Seedlings usually appear in around 14 days, fastest when the soil is between 18 and 25 degrees.
Sweet marjoram, the gentler cousin of oregano with a sweeter, more floral and less pungent flavour. Perennial in frost-free zones but often grown as an annual in cooler climates. Mediterranean native that likes well-drained soil and full sun. Harvest before flowering for best flavour. Year-round in SEQ and northern regions. Excellent in pots and as an edging plant.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Aphids and Spider mite. The main diseases to watch are Root rot and Powdery mildew. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Marjoram is typically ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months). Fridge loosely wrapped, up to 1 week. Dries very well by hanging.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, marjoram is good added to Italian sauces, soups and stews, mixed into sausage and meatball seasoning, used in herbes de Provence blend and stirred into butter for fish and vegetables. Nutritionally: contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and supports digestive health.
Companion Planting
Marjoram grows well alongside Capsicum, Tomato, Beans and Brassicas. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Marjoram Growing
Add marjoram to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Marjoram in Australia?
Marjoram is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is sown in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Marjoram take to grow?
Marjoram is generally ready to harvest in around 75 days (about 2 months).
Can I grow Marjoram in a pot?
Yes. Marjoram grows well in a container of 20cm+ with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Marjoram need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Marjoram in the Plant Library
