Herb · Lamiaceae family · with preparation per the EMA
marjoram
Origanum majorana

In short a 10-second read
Marjoram (herb) grows to 0.3–0.6 m tall and 0.3–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in July–August; the flowers are white or pink. Sow in March–April.
× spread 0.3–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun and soil.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, sandy, gravelly
Soil pH 6–8.5
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–August · white or pink
Pruning
cut back by a third (May)
Sowing
sow indoors: March–April
Winter protection
bring indoors for winter
Overwintering
In winter it belongs indoors.
Before the first frosts, bring the plant indoors.
- Bring indoors for winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does marjoram flower?
In July–August; the flowers are white or pink.
When do I sow marjoram?
In March–April (sow indoors).
Does marjoram tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does marjoram need?
At maturity 0.3–0.6 m wide and 0.3–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 25 cm.
Does marjoram survive winter outdoors?
Not outdoors — bring it indoors for winter.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 17 October 2026.
Show sources (8)
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Preparation and use · marjoram
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: aerial parts
For: mild indigestion, bloating and flatulence EMA 4.1For whom: From 18 years · adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 2–4 g of dried aerial parts in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 1–2× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 2–8 g a day EMA 4.2
- When
- Before a meal EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 2–4 g of dried aerial parts in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 4
Drink 1–2× a day, before a meal.
EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: aerial parts | 2–4 g of dried aerial parts in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 1–2× a day · 2–8 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 18 years · adults, elderly | longer than 2 weeks → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | When: before a meal EMA 4.2 |
| Adults only EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Adults only EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- If allergic to plants of the mint family (Lamiaceae) EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4















