(Origanum.) O. mar-jorana. Sweet or Summer Marjoram. O. heracleoticum. Winter Marjoram. O. onites. Common or Pot Marjoram.

Soil And Situation

A light, dry and moderately fertile soil is required for their healthy growth; and if it is one that has not been cropped for a considerable time, it is the more favourable for them. If the soil is wet or rich, they are deficient in their essential qualities, and the perennials are unable to withstand severe weather. The situation cannot be too open.

Time And Mode Of Propagation

The sweet marjoram is propagated solely by seeds; the two perennials by seed, as well as by parting their roots, and slips of their branches. Sowing may be performed of all the species, from the conclusion of February, if open weather, to the commencement of June; but the early part of April is the usual time for performing it. Portions of the rooted plants, slips, etc, may be planted from February until May, and during September and October.

The sowing is performed either in drills, six inches apart, or broadcast; in either case the seed being buried not more than half an inch deep. When the seedlings have attained a height of two or three inches, they must be thinned to six inches, and those removed may be pricked in rows at a similar distance apart each way. Those of the annual species are to remain; but those of the perennials, to be finally removed during September, at the distances directed below, when raised from slips, etc, water beinggiven at every removal, and until the plants are established.

The slips and partings of the root, are inserted in rows ten or twelve inches apart, where they are to remain; they must be watered moderately every evening, and shaded during the day, until they have taken root, which they soon do, and acquire a stocky growth.

The only cultivation that any of the species require, is the frequent application of the hoe. In October the decayed parts of the perennials are cut away, and some soil from the alleys scattered over the bed about half an inch in depth, the surface of the earth between the stools being previously stirred gently.

The tops and leaves of all the species are gathered when green in summer and autumn, for use, in soups, etc.; and a store of the branches are cut and dried in July or August, just before the flowers open for winter's supply.

To Obtain Seed

There is little difficulty in obtaining the seed of the pot marjoram; if a plant or two are left ungathered from, it unfailingly ripens in the course of the autumn. But the exotic species seldom ripen theirs in this country; consequently it is usually obtained from the south of France or Italy. In favourable years, however, they sometimes perfect it late in autumn.

Forcing

When the green tops are much in request a small quantity of seed of the summer marjoram is sown in January or February, in a moderate hot-bed.