Marjoram how to grow. Marjoram in the garden.

 What are the properties of marjoram and the use of marjoram? Marjoram is a herb originating from the Mediterranean and south-western areas of Asia. In the local, warm climate, it functions as a perennial plant, taking the form of small bushes with woody stems. Today it is one of the most popular spices in Europe. It was propagated by Arab merchants initially in ancient Greece, from where it gradually moved further and further into the Old Continent. In Poland, it has been cultivated in home gardens since the 16th century. For climatic reasons, it functions here as an annual plant.

The mejoranek grows on average to a height of between 30 and 50 cm. Straight stems grow densely erect. Marjoram is characterized by dense foliage in the form of small, egg-shaped leaves, in a broad-earth shade. The entire plant, both the leaves and the stem, is covered with downy hair. On the tops of the shoots, from July until autumn, small, white or, less often, pinkish inflorescences bloom in the form of densely compacted heads. Marjoram is a honey plant.

IN POLAND WE HAVE OUR OWN, NATIVE VARIETY OF MARJORANGE - MIRAGE.

It has a larger leaf surface and taller stems.

How to grow marjoram in the garden. Wild marjoram

Marjoram is a plant that requires a sunny place, sheltered from excessive winds and heat. The best growth will be achieved with a southern exposure, growing it in soil with a high calcium content, light and air permeable. Marjoram should not be planted directly on manure. The herb has increased nitrogen requirements - during the growing season it is recommended to supply it 2 to 3 times.

You can start sowing marjoram already in March, into pots or boxes. For proper growth, the plant should be provided with a sunny place - it can be a window sill. One should also not forget about the thermophilic nature of marjoram. A temperature between 20 and 25°C will be suitable for the plant to develop properly.

You can start planting marjoram from pots into the ground after May 15. The herb should be planted at a spacing of 20 x 15 cm. A good solution is to mulch the bed with a black agrotextile - it will improve the thermal conditions of the soil, and will also be helpful during the harvesting phase, as it will ensure clean stems and leaves.

Sowing marjoram (unless it is wild marjoram) directly into the garden can be planned between mid-April and mid-May. Seeds should be covered with a relatively thin layer of soil. We should notice the first emergence after 3 weeks.

Marjoram or wild marjoram works great in pot cultivation, so you can use it to create a herb garden on a balloon or put it in pots in the kitchen as handy herbs.

How to dry marjoram and how to store it? Drying wild marjoram.

Leaves for household purposes can be plucked as soon as the plant has sprouted. Twigs for drying should be cut at the beginning of flowering, remembering to do it only from a height of 10 cm from the ground. Professional herb growers recommend doing it on a warm, sunny and sunny day, which ensures a longer and better marjoram aroma. The plants remaining in the ground should be fed with fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen. The next shoots will rise after about 6 weeks and the harvest can be repeated without having to wait for the stems to bloom.

Marjoram is dried lying down, not in layers. You can also tie them into small bundles and hang them up. The temperature in the dryer should not exceed 35°C. When the drying process is over, the leaves and buds should be separated from the stems - marjoram prepared in this way can be used as a spice.

Do not wash the marjoram before drying. It should be remembered that the plant, due to its fuzzy structure, can collect on the leaves and not only a large amount of sand or dust - after the drying and separation process, the accumulated impurities should be sieved.

Where to plant marjoram

Marjoram is a herbal plant that grows perfectly in sunny and warm places. It is best planted in well-drained, moderately moist and slightly alkaline or neutral soils.

Marjoram can be grown in pots on the windowsill or balcony, but also in the garden. It is best to plant it in spring or early summer. This plant likes heat and does not tolerate hard frosts, so if you want to grow it in the garden, it is worth protecting it from winter.

Marjoram can be planted near other herbs or vegetables, such as parsley, basil, tomatoes or peppers. This plant is also resistant to pests and diseases, which makes it easy to grow and care for.

Marjoram varieties

THERE ARE MANY VARIETIES OF MARJORAM IN THE WORLD, BUT THE MOST POPULAR ARE:

Garden marjoram (Origanum majorana) - is the most famous and popular variety of marjoram, grown both in gardens and in pots. It is characterized by a delicate, sweet taste and aroma.

Mustard marjoram (Origanum onites) - is a variety with a stronger taste and smell than garden marjoram. It grows in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Mexican marjoram (Tagetes lucida) - is a variety from Mexico, characterized by a strong smell and taste. It is used in Mexican cuisine as an addition to meat dishes and soups.

Syrian marjoram (Origanum syriacum) - is a variety with an intense smell and taste, originating from the Mediterranean countries. It is used in Arabic cuisine as an addition to meat and fish dishes and soups.

Spanish marjoram (Thymus mastichina) - is a variety characterized by a strong, spicy taste and aroma. It is used to season meats, soups and sauces.

It is worth remembering that individual varieties may differ in taste and smell, so it is worth experimenting and choosing the one that best suits our culinary needs.

Diseases and pests

Marjoram in the garden is a good roommate for vegetables such as onions, cabbage and carrots. Its strong smell prevents pest attacks - unfortunately not all. Marjoram, like many other plants, is susceptible to aphids. These parasites secrete a large amount of honeydew, which contaminates the plant and its fruits, which leads to sketting of the leaves, as well as entire stems. To fight aphids on marjoram, we recommend preparations such as:

Agrocover Spray Target,

Emulpar 940 EC Target,

Mospilan 20 SP Target,

Karate Zeon 050 CS Target.

THE MOST COMMON DISEASE OF MARJORAM IS GRAY MOLD.

Characteristic in this case is a grayish coating on the leaves and shoots resembling a pollen deposit. In this case, the use of Switch 62.5WG Target may be helpful.

What are the health properties of marjoram?

Marjoram is famous primarily for its strong essential oils. However, these are not its only advantages. The plant is rich in pectins, tannin compounds, flavoids, organic acids, mineral salts and vitamins - especially vitamin C and carotene. It is used for colic, flatulence and gastrointestinal cramps, it also soothes intestinal cramps. It is also good for colds because it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Marjoram infusions, inhalations or the use of marjoram ointment on the temples and around the nose are recommended. The ointment will also work well with slow-healing wounds.

Contraindications

Marjoram in larger amounts should be avoided by people suffering from low blood pressure - assimilating too much of the herb can cause headaches. Pregnant women should not overdo it with the amount of marjoram consumed.

What are the best ways to use dried marjoram in the kitchen? Marjoram in the kitchen

Marjoram is a familiar part of Polish cuisine. Despite its intense smell, the herb provides delicacy of the dish, thanks to which it is added to one of the most traditional dishes in our country. In particular, it is added to soups such as sour rye soup or pea soup. It also works great as a seasoning for heavy dishes, fatty meats and game. Marjoram is also an herb necessary in the production of traditional-tasting cold cuts and sausages.