Origanum Majorana Sweet Marjoram Minuscule Summer Flowers
SWEET MARJORAM
The minuscule flowers of marjoram emerge from tiny spheres smaller than the smallest pea, and large numbers of them are to be seen on stems above the greyish-green foliage throughout the summer. On average, the plant grows to a height of 12 in, but spreads more widely than that, and its stems trail beautifully over the rim of a pot. Marjoram has an unsurpassed fragrance and is a favorite culinary herb. It has a mildly sweet flavour and is often added to roasts. Cut off the tops of the plants and dry them in sweet-scented bunches, or shred them into the potpourri. Marjoram is a perennial that is not quite able to survive Dutch winters. Sow indoors in March-April, or outdoors from the end of May. Find a sunny and sheltered position for the plants, preferably in loamy soil.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana, Lamiaceae) is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial herb or undershrub with sweet pine and citrus flavours. It is also called Sweet Marjoram or Knotted Marjoram and Majorana hortensis.
The name marjoram (Old French majorane, Medieval Latin majorana) does not directly derive from the Latin word maior (major). Marjoram is indigenous to the Mediterranean area and was known to the Greeks and Romans as a symbol of happiness.
