Marjoram (Sweet) in Zone 5a & 5b
Origanum majorana
Yes, marjoram (sweet) grows in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 22–Mar 29 and plant out May 17–May 24.
When to plant marjoram (sweet) in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 22–Mar 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 21–Jul 28 (~65 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of marjoram (sweet) in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- DillMay 3–May 10
- CatmintMay 17–May 24
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)May 17–May 24
Sweet marjoram is oregano's gentler relative: same genus, much less aggressive flavour, sweeter and more floral. It's the herb that works in things oregano would bulldoze, like egg dishes, buttered carrots, and anything with cream in it.
How marjoram (sweet) fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Marjoram (sweet) needs about 65 days from transplant to first harvest.
Marjoram (Sweet) planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 22–May 29 | Jul 26–Aug 2 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 17–May 24 | Jul 21–Jul 28 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 6–Jul 13 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jun 21–Jun 28 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 5–Jun 12 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | Apr 28–May 5 |
| 10a & 10bSpring window | Not usually | Feb–Apr | ~65 days after transplanting |
| Fall window | Not usually | Oct–Nov | ~65 days after transplanting |
Harvest dates are about 65 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for marjoram (sweet).
Where to buy marjoram seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's marjoram seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana): Buy it by the botanical name. 'Marjoram' on a label can also mean pot marjoram (Origanum onites) or wild marjoram, which is just oregano. Buy: True Leaf Market · Burpee · High Mowing Organic Seeds Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing marjoram (sweet)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Marjoram (Sweet) in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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