This year I purchased some herbs from Walmart's garden center. The offered Greek Oregano, Oregano and Marjoram. I bought the Oregano and Marjoram. Now that I'm home, I'm hard pressed to see the difference. The Marjoram is a little paler green in color and slightly milder in flavor. They haven't bloomed yet so I cant tell by flower color. Anyone have any ideas? Have I bought two Oreganos??? Two Marjorams?
What do I have here?
I find that the leaves of oregano are larger than marjoram. Whenever I purchase oregano plants I always rub the leaves and sniff. Sometimes stores will advertise oregano as either Greek or Italian and the buyer finds that the aroma is disappointingly weak. Plants in this family can cross-pollinate so always be sure to purchase oregano plants that have the aroma and taste that you desire. Marjoram, at least in my opinion, smells much sweeter than oregano sort of like a light perfume. Oregano has a slightly "spicey" which is much more pungent than marjoram.
Thanks for the reply. Yes the oregano leaves are about 1+1/2 the size of the marjoram and when rubbed and sniffed the marjoram is sweeter. Guess I have one of each.
Yes to Momherbs' description... I do find the oregano sharper and the marjoram much more mellow and "sweeter" is an apt description. I have both in pots. Sitting side by side, the leaf sizes are so similar I have to rub to smell. You will also find the blooms are no different.
If you intend to allow them to bloom later in summer for seeds, I am thinking you will want to separate them so the seed would be true.
Just one of those little notes -- marjoram is also known as dittany of Crete.
Mmmm... Ornamental Oregano ~ Dittany of Crete. A favored scent of mine. I have never used it for cooking, only for instant gratification. I love the smell of the foliage.
And of course the blooms...
This message was edited Jul 6, 2007 7:34 PM
Thanks to all for your replies! Especially the tip about seperating them to keep the seed true.