MARJORAM. 157 



Culture. The common or pot marjoram, being 

 a perennial, is easily propagated by parting the 

 roots into small tufts, in the early part of spring, 

 and planting them in three or four feet beds, in any 

 light dry soil, at a foot apart ; or they can be made 

 an edging to borders ; and then they must be planted 

 at the distance of six inches instead of one foot. 



If the pot marjoram is wanted for drying, it should 

 be cut when in full bloom, as at that time all aro- 

 matic herbs possess their greatest strength and 

 virtue. When cut, it should be laid in a shady 

 place to dry ; and, when the leaves feel crisp, put 

 up in paper bags for use; and in a place where it 

 will be clear of dust. 



The sweet or knotted marjoram being rather a 

 tender annual, if wanted early, the seed should be 

 sown on a slight heat towards the end of March ; 

 if otherwise, on a warm border of light rich earth 

 about the middle of April ; the plants to be after- 

 wards thinned to the distance of a few inches, and 

 left to grow for use. Those raised on heat (after 

 having been hardened to the weather) should be 

 planted out, either in a patch in the open ground 

 or in pots. When planting in pots, use the size called 

 32, and put two or three plants in each ; a reserve 

 may then be made nearly throughout the winter, by 

 keeping them in some warm shed, or in a green- 

 house, where they will at times give out a most 

 agreeable and fragrant perfume. 



32. MARYGOLD. CALENDULA. 

 Calendula Officinalis, the cultivated or common 

 Marygold. Calendula is supposed to be derived 



