Sweet marjoram
Origanum majorana
Also called Knotted marjoram and Marjoram
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitIT IS TENDER and oregano is not — that is the only difference that matters in a garden. Treat it as an annual, or bring a pot in; a marjoram left out dies at the first hard frost.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Once a weekWater the ground, then leave it — water at the base and then leave it — these want to dry out between drinks.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Not needed
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Tender — no frost at all RHS H2, to 1°C
- Size
- 0.5 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Turkey and Cyprus
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats.
PeopleNothing recorded against it
Safe to eat: the leaves.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-04.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.