Marjoram is a fragrant herb in the mint family, closely related to oregano but with a milder, sweeter flavour. Often called sweet marjoram, it’s native to the Mediterranean and has been used for centuries in both cooking and traditional medicine.
However, gardening experts have issued a warning to anyone planning to grow marjoram in their garden. Experts from GardenersWorld revealed that the plant is toxic to pets. They said: “It closely resembles oregano and is hardy in milder areas of the UK. Both marjoram and oregano are toxic to pets.”
Marjoram, while a familiar herb often found in the spice aisle, can be harmful to dogs and cats as well.
Although the specific toxins in marjoram haven’t been clearly identified, ingestion can irritate a dog’s digestive system, causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea.
In more serious cases, it may lead to slowed heart rate, low blood sugar, intestinal blockages, ulcers, breathing difficulties, seizures, and clotting issues.
Experts from Wag! explained: “Although many of these are uncommon, the chances are enough of a concern to warrant a trip to the veterinarian if your dog decides to eat some of this aromatic and tasty herb.”
The gardening experts shared the best time to grow marjoram in the gardens.
They said: “When grown in containers, marjoram can be brought indoors in autumn and overwintered in a sunny spot, ready to put back out in the garden in late spring after the last frost.
“In summer and early autumn, plants should be harvested regularly to promote new growth.
“The best time to harvest marjoram is on a sunny morning when the leaves are full of essential oils.
“Remove some flowerheads before they open in midsummer for the best flavoured leaves, but allow plenty to flower to provide food for pollinating insects.”