Marjoram(Origanum majorana) was known already in antiquity, and today it reigns on our tables as a spice. Apart from the taste, it is also worth appreciating thehealing properties of marjoramMarjoram, like many other Mediterranean herbs, can be grown both in the garden and in pots on the balcony. We suggest what it looks likegrowing marjoram in the garden- from sowing seeds to harvesting herbal raw material.
Marjoram herb - Herba Majoranae
Fig. depositphotos.com.com
In Poland, marjoram is grown as an annual plantMarjoram has branched, straight stems, often woody in the lower parts. Reaches approx. 30 cm in height. Marjoram leaves are small, oval, and the flowers are dim, whitish, clustered in densely compact inflorescences.Garden marjoram blooms in July and AugustThe entire plant is covered with hairs, which gives it a silvery white color and a strong aroma.
Garden marjoram - healing properties
Garden marjoram has valuable healing propertiesMarjoram herb contains significant amounts of essential oil and in it, among others. terpinene, alpha-terpineol, tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpene acids and polysaccharides. The essential oil also contains mineral s alts, including: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and vitamins A, B1, B2, C.Marjoram flowers and buds contain the most oil , some fewer leaves, while on the stems and seeds there are only traces of it.
In medicine, the herb marjoramand marjoram oil, obtained by steam distillation, are used.
Marjoram herb extractshave a relaxing effect, especially on the bronchi and large intestine, as well as choleretic, diuretic, anti-diarrhea, as well as slightly diaphoretic and calming effect. They are used as a mild aid in digestion and assimilation of food and as a bronchodilator in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including cough and asthma.
Marjoram - Origanum majorana
Fig. pixabay.com
Marjoram oil hasantibacterial, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in baths, rinses, ointments and liniments. The marjoram herb produces, among others, ointment recommended for rhinitis, especially for children and infants. Pure essential oil isolated from herb is often used in the perfumery and soap industry.
The characteristic taste and smell makegarden marjoram mainly used in the kitchenIt is difficult to imagine good tripe or Lithuanian dumplings without this spice. The crushed marjoram herb is added to many dishes, especially fatty meats and legumes. The strong taste of marjoram makes it a valuable spice in a s alt-free diet. It is a particularly good substitute for marjoram s alt in a mixture with savory, celery leaves, lovage and mugwort flowers.
Marjoram should also be planted in the gardenas a honey plant that will attract bees, and also as a plant that repels snails. Marjoram grown among other plants on the bed will discourage voracious mollusks from visiting these places.Ants do not like the aroma of marjoram. So we can grow marjoram as an ant-repellent plant or prepare an ant-repellent extract from it. To do this, you need 10 grams of dried marjoram herb, pour 10 liters of water and set aside for 1 day.With the lift prepared in this way, we pour the paths of ants and the places where they enter the anthills. They should move quickly to another place.
Growing marjoram in the garden
Marjoram requires a sunny, warm and sheltered position . Growing marjoram in the garden will give the best results in soil that is warm, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich and rich in calcium.
Marjoram seeds are sown directly into the ground at the end of April . You can also sow seeds for the inspection in March, and after 7 weeks you can plant the finished seedlings in the field. Recommendedmajernaka cultivation spacingis 15-20 cm in a row and 30-40 cm between rows.
When growing marjoram in the gardenit is important to remove weeds regularly, as marjoram is particularly sensitive to its vicinity and weeds can choke it very easily. It is worth remembering about irrigation and fertilizing with fertilizers of natural origin, e.g.compost (this is mixed with soil in the garden bed before sowing or planting marjoram seedlings). Biohumus, which plants can be watered after diluting with water, also works well.
Growing marjoram in the garden, you can plant it in a herbal bedwith species such as: garden savory, fennel, sage or leaf parsley. In addition to similar requirements, these plants together will create an interesting herbal composition.
Harvesting and drying the marjoram herb
We usually harvest the marjoram herb twice , for the first time at the beginning of flowering (early July), cutting the entire plant 5-10 cm from the ground, so as to leave a few knots, from which they will break out new shoots. The second harvest is done in September or early October.
Marjoram - fresh twig and dried
Fig. depositphotos.com
The marjoram herb is dried in the shade , in a ventilated place, at a temperature not exceeding 35 ° C.Marjoram can be dried by tying it in bunches and hanging on knitting needles. After drying, store the herb in a tight, glass container, peeling the leaves only immediately before use.
Garden marjoram - varieties
Garden marjoram is slightly lower and much finerthan its wild form. This plant is distinguished by a large number of forms and ecotypes. And so it can occur as an annual, biennial and perennial plant. In our climate, however, it is not frost-resistant enough, sousually one-year-old forms of marjoram are grown
Among theEuropean garden marjoram varieties , there are two basic ones:
- French (leaf marjoram) , which is characterized by numerous shoots and dense foliage, an intense green color and a long growing season
- German (flower marjoram) , with more flowers and fewer shoots, and thick, bushy hair which gives the plant a greenish-gray color.
The variety of marjoram most recommended for cultivation in our climateis the Polish marjoram 'Miraż', bred by the Institute of Plants and Medicinal Products in Poznań. In practice, however, marjoram seeds are usually sold simply under the name marjoram, without a variety name.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
