Wild Za&
Wild Zaatar Oregano in a pot held by a gardener.
Oregano Wild Zaatar blooms close-up
Wild Za&
Wild Zaatar Oregano in a pot held by a gardener.
Oregano Wild Zaatar blooms close-up

Oregano Seeds,
Wild Za'atar

3.742 Reviews#HB174 · 50 seeds
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Description

Za’atar is an ancient herb of the Middle East, and it shares its name with a spice mix beloved in every Middle Eastern cuisine. Origanum syriacum is also known as Majorana syriaca, Syrian oregano,and white oregano. It is a key ingredient in the spice mix, lending a complex and pungent flavor that contains hints of oregano, thyme, and marjoram. Za’atar was also used in traditional medicine as an antiseptic.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Origanum syriacum
Life Cycle
Tender perennial
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
80–90
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
10 in.
Ideal Temperature
72–76°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost date, surface sowing them and gently pressing them into the soil, since light is required for germination. Transplant out after all chance of frost has passed, as Wild Za'atar is a tender perennial and is not frost hardy. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days, and plants are ready to harvest in about 80 to 90 days.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Take care, as seeds are extremely small, about 130,000 in an ounce!
  • Seeds germinate in 4-14 days.
  • Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date. Surface sow seeds and gently press into soil, as light aids germination.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65-70 F.
  • Transplant out after all chance of frost has passed.

How to Grow

  • Prefers loose, well-drained, sandy soil.
  • Provide full sun to part shade. Space plants 12 inches apart. This creeping herb makes a lovely mat of foliage, so allow it to creep along and cover a space in your herb garden.
  • Harvest by cutting back stems when plants are at least 6 inches tall. The best flavor is achieved when you harvest just before flowering. Don't be shy to make a hard cutback when harvesting; many will cut oregano back to the lowest few leaves in early summer and again in late summer.
  • You can air dry or use a dehydrator, easily growing your year's supply of dried oregano.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Oregano is generally pest and disease free, but you may see aphids or spider mites on the plants. If the infestation becomes out of control (not common) blast the plants with a strong stream of water from the hose to knock the insects from the plants.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow plants to flower and turn brown and crispy.
  • Gently shake seeds free from capsules and store seeds in a cool, dark, dry place.

FAQ

Do I cover Wild Za'atar seeds?

No. Surface sow and gently press the seeds into the soil, as light is required for germination. Take care, as the seeds are extremely small, about 130,000 in an ounce.

What growing site suits Wild Za'atar?

It prefers a hot, dry site with somewhat alkaline soil, and it wants loose, well-drained ground and full sun. Space plants about 10 inches apart.

When should I harvest Wild Za'atar for drying?

For drying, harvest when the flowers just begin to bloom. Also known as Majorana syriaca, Syrian oregano, and white oregano, it is a key ingredient in the za'atar spice mix, lending a complex, pungent flavor with hints of oregano, thyme, and marjoram.

Customer reviews

3.7 / 5 42 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Not your usual oregano: Bold, complex, a little lemony; good fresh or dried for zaatar.

  • Slow to establish: Small the first season, then fills a bed once it takes hold.

  • Heat and drought tough: Shrugs off 100-degree summers once established.

  • Go easy on water: Likes sun and sharp drainage; wet soil kills seedlings.

  • Heads up: Germination is slow and uneven; surface-sow and be patient.

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