Zaatar

This oregano relative is native to the Mediterranean and has been used for centuries as a culinary and medicinal herb. The velvety gray-green leaves are highly aromatic and have the blended flavor of marjoram, thyme, and oregano. Add this savory taste to vegetable and meat dishes, hummus, flatbreads, and soups. Zaatar is a tender perennial grown as an annual. Start indoors in the north. Grows to 24 inches. 

50 seeds 

PLANTING

Origanum syriacum

Tender perennial: Zone 9-11

Germination:  7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF.

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface

Sowing Indoors: Start 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperature. Transplant after last frost, space 6-8" apart.

Sowing Outdoors: After the last frost. Sow a few seeds every 1-2", thin 6-8" apart.  

Light Needs: Full Sun 

Soil Needs:  Zaatar needs average, dry to medium, well-drained soils

Uses:  Culinary, attracts bees and beneficials, ornamental- in containers, hanging baskets or window boxes

Harvest:  Fresh use- starting around 6", as soon as you can clip some leaves. Drying- Cut the whole plant down when they begin to flower. Hang and dry out of direct sunlight.