When to plant sweet marjoram in New York, New York

March 30 – April 13

Transplant outdoors · typical New York year

Climate basis: NOAA station New York Cntrl Pk Twr, NY (USW00094728), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown New York (ZCTA 10007 centroid), elevation 130 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 (March 30). One year in ten still freezes after April 9.

Last spring freezeMarch 301-in-10 after Apr 9

First fall freezeNovember 201-in-10 before Nov 6

Frost-free season≈ 236 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 19 – Dec 1kills even hardy greens

The New York year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 2 – Feb 16

Transplant outdoorsMar 30 – Apr 13

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 16 – Mar 30

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 9

Sweet Marjoram in New York · freeze context from New York Cntrl Pk Twr, NY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 2 – Feb 16

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 (Mar 30). NC State Extension, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox · Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center

Transplant outdoors

Mar 30 – Apr 13

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 (Mar 30). Clemson University Cooperative Extension, Home & Garden Information Center

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 16 – Mar 30

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 (Mar 30). 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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