Herbs

Origanum majorana

Compact sweet marjoram

Representative sweet marjoram species foliage; not a photograph of a confirmed compact cultivar.

Soft, pale-green leaves have a delicate, sweet aroma, useful in Greek and Italian cooking. This compact nursery selection suits a sunny herb pot or the front of a kitchen garden; small white summer flowers provide nectar for pollinating insects. Grow in freely draining soil; avoid excessive feeding.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Water: Well-drained soil; water pots in dry weather
Life cycle: Tender perennial; usually grown as an annual locally
Bloom: Small white summer flowers.

Sizes & prices

3.5"$6.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Drought: Tolerates dry spells once established; pots still need watering.
Wet soil: Avoid waterlogging.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Pollinators

Culinary uses

Edible parts: Leaves.
Use: Fresh in salads, vegetable dishes and Mediterranean cooking.

Growing & care

Size & habit: Compact type; mature size varies by selection.
Harvest: Pick young leaves before flowering for the best flavor.
Pruning: Trim dead or straggly stems and faded flowers.
Winter: Grow seasonally or move a container indoors before frost; overwintering can be difficult.

Trim straggly growth and spent flowers. Keep drainage good.

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Photo: Forest & Kim Starr · CC BY 3.0

Size & selection: Compact nursery type; mature size depends on the selection supplied.

Reviewed 2026-09-29. Growing conditions vary by location.