Marjoram (Sweet) in Zone 9a & 9b
Origanum majorana
Yes, marjoram (sweet) grows in zones 9a and 9b. Start seeds indoors Dec 28–Jan 4 and plant out Feb 22–Mar 1.
When to plant marjoram (sweet) in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Dec 28–Jan 4 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 22–Mar 1 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 28–May 5 (~65 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of marjoram (sweet) in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMar 1–Mar 8
- BorageFeb 15–Feb 22
- RosemaryMar 1–Mar 8
- DillFeb 8–Feb 15
- Citronella Plant (Mosquito Plant)Feb 22–Mar 1
- Garlic Chives (Chinese Leeks)Feb 22–Mar 1
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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Marjoram (sweet) needs about 65 days from transplant to first harvest.
Marjoram (Sweet) planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
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 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
%20in%20USDA%20zone%209b%3A%20when%20to%20start%20seeds%20indoors%2C%20when%20to%20direct-sow%2C%20and%20when%20to%20expect%20a%20harvest.)
Pin this for later
Growing Marjoram (Sweet) in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest