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Sweet marjoram from seed

12 years ago

I'm having the worst luck growing sweet marjoram from seed. I planted some, and it had poor germination, and many of the seedlings died. I thought maybe my seed was too old, so I bought a new packet...and none of those have germinated at all.

I'm completely overrun with other sorts of seedlings, so it's not like I don't know how to start seeds, or I've got a bad setup, or I've got some sort of pathogen.

So...what gives? Does marjoram need some sort of special care that no other type of seed in my entire collection requires?

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

fatamorgana2121
12 years ago
I've never tried to grow sweet marjoram from seed so I can't help you there. But I can offer that if you are having trouble with seed from the same vendor, try marjoram seed from a different vendor. Sometimes that can make a difference.

FataMorgana
royceag
12 years ago
I'm having the same issue. I've started several different herbs from the same vendor indoors in Pro Mix BX. The majority have germinated and are growing well (still babies) but a few like the sweet marjoram & the French thyme aren't germinating or progressing well- tiny, spindly little things. I'm wondering about too much heat, water- I don't know. Just thought I'd commiserate.
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gjcore
12 years ago
I've been reading "Growing and Selling Fresh-Cut Herbs" by Sandie Shores. She recommends "Sprinkle the tiny seeds thinly over the soil, Lightly cover them with fine sand, or not at all, and cover the flat with clear plastic. Sweet marjoram needs light and temperatures of 60 to 70 F to germinate"
rockguy
12 years ago
Yup. The smaller the seeds, the more they respond to sowing on the surface without any covering of soil. Plastic will keep them moist and bottom heat might help, only until they sprout, then under the bright flo light they go!
barbe_wa
12 years ago
I've had good luck with marjoram using the wintersowing method in early spring. I sowed the seed on the surface in a prepared milk jug on March 5 and had a full jug of sprouts on the 31st. For info on the method, go to the Winter Sowing Forum on GardenWeb. We are a dedicated group of enthusiasts!

Here is a link that might be useful: Winter Sowing Forum
leira
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the advice, everyone.

The original seeds were from some seed swap a few years ago, and might have been saved from someone's garden. I really don't know. The new packet was Burpee.

I think I'll give it another shot, only this time I will plant the seeds less deeply, or maybe just sow them on the surface. Maybe I'll even toss some straight into the garden for good measure.

Wish me luck!

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