When to plant sweet marjoram in Albuquerque, New Mexico

April 6 – April 20

Transplant outdoors · typical Albuquerque year

Climate basis: NOAA station Albuquerque INTL AP, NM (USW00023050), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Albuquerque (ZCTA 87102 centroid), elevation 5310 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant sweet marjoram outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 6). One year in ten still freezes after April 23.

Last spring freezeApril 61-in-10 after Apr 23

First fall freezeNovember 31-in-10 before Oct 21

Frost-free season≈ 208 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 17 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens

USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Albuquerque year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 9 – Feb 23

Transplant outdoorsApr 6 – Apr 20

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 23 – Apr 6

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 23

Sweet Marjoram in Albuquerque · freeze context from Albuquerque INTL AP, NM, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 9 – Feb 23

NC State's Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox starts marjoram seed indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date, and Clemson HGIC gives the identical 6-to-8-week lead, so the two sources agree. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 6). NC State Extension, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox · Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center

Transplant outdoors

Apr 6 – Apr 20

Clemson HGIC sets marjoram transplants out after the last killing frost and UMD Extension names marjoram among herbs planted outside after the danger of frost has passed; both agree, so the window opens at the last spring freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 6). Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 23 – Apr 6

NC State's Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox gives a point rule — sow seed directly outdoors about two weeks before the last spring frost date — which opens a two-week sowing span ending at the last freeze; note the transplant window for this tender herb is later. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 6). NC State Extension, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Variety assumption: Grown as an annual across most of the US; NC State's plant toolbox treats it as a tender perennial that is replaced each year in cold climates.

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:

Crop rule sources (2)

NC State Extension, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Origanum majorana (Knotted Marjoram, Marjoram, Pot Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram) (accessed 2026-07-25)
"To plant from seed, start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last spring frost date."
Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center: Herbs (accessed 2026-07-25)
"Start seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting or set transplants out after the last killing frost."

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