How to grow Marjoram in New Zealand
Sweet marjoram is the milder, sweeter, more floral relative of oregano, with soft grey-green leaves used fresh or dried with tomatoes, cheese, fish and meat. It is a small, compact herb for a sunny, free-draining spot or a pot. It is a cold-sensitive perennial: long lived in frost-free northern gardens, but often grown as an annual where winters are cold and wet.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Marjoram in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to April | |
| Auckland | September to April | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | September to April | |
| Central North Island | September to April | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | September to April | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | September to April | |
| Canterbury | October to February | Plant Oct to Feb once the frosts ease. Winter wet and hard frost can kill it, so keep a pot under cover. |
| Otago & Southland | November to January | Plant Nov to Jan after the frosts. Treat it as an annual or overwinter a pot under cover. |
| Central Otago | November to January | Plant Nov to Jan after the frosts. Treat it as an annual or overwinter a pot under cover. |
Not to be confused with: Oregano, a hardier, stronger-flavoured close relative. Pot marjoram is a hardier perennial form often sold alongside sweet marjoram.
Where to plant
Grow sweet marjoram in full sun in light, free-draining soil. It thrives on the dry side and its roots rot in cold, wet soil, so raise the bed or grow it in a pot if your ground is heavy. It makes a good edging plant and suits rockeries and herb gardens.
In the frost-free north it lives for years. Where winters bring hard frosts or long wet spells, treat it as an annual or keep a plant in a pot that can come under cover.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, the central North Island, Wellington, and Nelson and Marlborough: plant from September to April.
- Canterbury: plant from October to February once the frosts ease. Winter wet and hard frost can kill it, so keep a pot under cover.
- Otago and Southland and Central Otago: plant from November to January after the frosts. Treat it as an annual or overwinter a pot under cover.
Choosing a variety
Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana), also called knotted marjoram for its knot-like flower buds, is the classic culinary marjoram. Pot marjoram is a hardier perennial form with a stronger flavour, closer to oregano, and is the better choice for cold gardens.
How to plant
- Sow the tiny seed on the surface of seed-raising mix in trays, barely covering it, from September to March. It germinates in about 7 to 14 days at 18 to 25°C.
- Plant out seedlings, or bought plants, about 15 to 25 cm apart once frosts are over.
- Alternatively, take cuttings from an existing plant in spring or summer and root them in propagating mix.
- Water in and then water moderately.
Watering and feeding
Water moderately and let the soil dry between drinks. Cut back watering in winter to avoid root rot.
Marjoram needs little feeding; a liquid feed now and then in the growing season is plenty, and lean soil gives the best flavour.
Pruning and care through the year
- Pinch out tips regularly to keep plants bushy.
- Cut back by about a third after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- In cold districts, pot up a plant in autumn and keep it in a sunny, sheltered spot or under cover over winter.
Harvesting
Pick sprigs once plants are a good size, about 10 to 12 weeks after sowing. The flavour is strongest just before the flowers open. Regular picking keeps the plant compact.
Marjoram dries well: hang small bunches in a warm, airy, shady spot, then strip the leaves into a sealed jar. Fresh sprigs keep a few days in the fridge.
Growing in pots
Marjoram does well in pots at least 20 cm wide filled with free-draining potting mix, in full sun. Let the mix dry slightly between waterings, and move the pot under cover in cold, wet winters.
Companion planting
Marjoram's flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, and it fits easily at the edge of vegetable beds.
Good companions
Pests and diseases
Marjoram has few pests. Wet roots cause most losses.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Clusters on soft tips in spring.
- Spider mite Fine pale speckling on leaves in hot, dry weather, especially in pots.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Plants wilt and die back in cold, wet or poorly drained soil, especially in winter.
- Powdery mildew White powdery coating on the leaves in still, humid conditions.
Common questions
What is the difference between marjoram and oregano?
They are close relatives. Sweet marjoram has a milder, sweeter, more floral flavour and is less cold hardy; oregano is stronger and tougher.
Is marjoram a perennial?
Sweet marjoram is a cold-sensitive perennial. It lives for years in the frost-free north but is often grown as an annual where winters are cold and wet.
Why did my marjoram die over winter?
Usually cold, wet roots. Grow it in free-draining soil or a pot, water sparingly in winter, and shelter pots from hard frost.
When should I harvest marjoram?
Pick sprigs as needed once plants are bushy. The flavour is best just before flowering, which is also the time to cut a batch for drying.
Can I grow marjoram in a pot?
Yes. Use a pot at least 20 cm wide with free-draining mix in full sun, and move it under cover in cold winters.
Sources we checked: Kings Seeds NZ: Marjoram Sweet; Yates NZ: How to grow marjoram.