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. 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:  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.