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When to Plant Marjoram in Washington County, OR

Sweet marjoram is a tender perennial herb with a delicate, sweet oregano-like flavor. It is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking and pairs well with meats and vegetables.

Washington County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 352 feet, Washington County receives approximately 47.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Marjoram during the growing season.

Washington County, OR (Zone 8b) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 15
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Sep 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 25

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Marjoram needs ~1,031 GDD — county provides 2,681 GDD Excellent fit

Marjoram Planting Timeline โ€” Washington County, OR

Marjoram Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 22 Apr 22 โ€“ May 6
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 โ€“ Sep 2

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

195 days

Growing Tips for Washington County

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Harvest stems just as flower buds appear for peak flavor. In cold climates, grow as an annual or bring containers indoors.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Marjoram in Washington County, OR?

Washington County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Marjoram planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, OR?

Washington County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Washington County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.