Origanum majorana
Herb, Perennial, Perennial grown as annual

Light: full sun

Sweet marjoram, the sacred herb of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was a symbol of marital bliss in ancient times. It is said that if you rub a little marjoram on your skin before you sleep, you'll dream of the one you'll marry. Culinary uses: Sweet marjoram has a mild oregano flavor with a hint of balsam. Its leaves and flowers are used both fresh and dried in myriad recipes. However, you'll find that sweet marjoram retains the best flavor when the fresh leaves are added at the end of the cooking process.

Planting
Cultivation: Plant marjoram seeds inside in midspring, then transplant the seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost is past. Plant the seedlings in clumps, 6 to 8 inches apart. Marjoram prefers a sunny location and rich soil, and needs frequent weeding and hoeing. It does not require a lot of water. Pinch the plant back before flowers bloom. Marjoram usually is good for only one cutting a season.