Sweet marjoram, also known as Origanum majorana, is a delightful herb that is loved for its aromatic leaves and delicate flavor. Many gardeners wonder whether sweet marjoram will come back every year, or if it needs to be replanted annually. The answer to this question depends on your specific climate and growing conditions.
In warmer regions, such as zones 9 and 10, sweet marjoram is considered a perennial. This means that it has the ability to survive and regrow year after year without needing to be replanted. However, even in these zones, it is important to provide some protection for the plant during the winter months. Using mulch to cover the base of the plant can help insulate the roots and prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
In zones 7 and 8, sweet marjoram may also be grown as a perennial, but the chances of survival are lower. These regions experience colder winters, and the plant may not be able to withstand the freezing temperatures without additional protection. It is recommended to mulch the plant heavily in these zones, and even then, there is no guarantee that it will survive the winter.
For gardeners in zones 6 and colder, sweet marjoram is best grown as a summer annual. These regions have much colder winters, and the plant is not likely to survive the freezing temperatures. As a result, it is necessary to replant sweet marjoram each year in these zones.
Personal experience: I have had the pleasure of growing sweet marjoram in my garden in zone 8. While it is considered a perennial in this region, I have found that it is important to provide it with extra protection during the winter. I have successfully overwintered sweet marjoram by mulching heavily around the base of the plant and covering it with a breathable fabric during particularly cold spells. However, I have also had instances where the plant did not survive despite these efforts, highlighting the need for caution in colder zones.
Sweet marjoram has the potential to come back every year in zones 9 and 10, but it may require mulching for winter protection. In zones 7 and 8, it is still possible for sweet marjoram to be a perennial, but the chances of survival are lower, and mulching is essential. In zones 6 and colder, sweet marjoram should be grown as a summer annual, as it is unlikely to survive the winter temperatures.
