Golden Marjoram – The French Alternative
Jackie French says that golden marjoram (Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’) not only tastes good, but also keeps garden goblins away. According to legend, goblins hate marjoram. Golden marjoram can be used in salads, tomato sauces, on tomato-rich pizzas or in casseroles.
Golden marjoram is tough, fast growing and makes an excellent groundcover. It has bright, greenish-gold leaves and tiny, pinky-mauve flowers in summer. Grow it in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position. It will also grow in semi-shade, but the foliage will lose its golden colour. Propagate golden marjoram by seed in spring, or by root division in spring and autumn. This herb does well in most areas of Australia, but extreme frosts or heat can burn the leaves.
Downside
Although golden marjoram doesn’t have the same weed potential as ordinary marjoram and oregano, it may become weedy if planted near moist bushland.
Getting started
Take a root cutting from a friend’s patch, or buy a pot from the herb section of your local nursery. 100mm or 4″ pots cost about $3.50.
Further reading
This story is featured in the May edition of the Burke’s Backyard magazine, available at newsagents for $4.60.