It can be used as a mild substitute for oregano. Because its delicately sweet flavor can be lost easily in cooking, it is best used in dishes that are not cooked or cooked very little. It complements other herbs such as bay, garlic, onion, thyme and basil. Marjoram also makes a sweet flavored tea. Marjoram thrives in full sun in fertile loam soil that is light, dry, well-drained and a pH of 6.9.
Seeds are small and slow to germinate.
They can be started indoors in midspring or sown directly in the garden after the soil has warmed. Propagation may also be by cuttings, layering, or root divisions made in the late spring. Set plants out eight to 10 inches apart in rows a foot apart. Improve soil by incorporating well-rotted compost rather then fresh manure. Though drought tolerant, marjoram prefers slightly damper conditions than its hardier relative oregano.