Fairly easily cultivated from seed, this delicious herb appreciates sun and water when young, but watering should be curtailed as the pla...Read Morent matures. Fast draining soil is a must, and I've learned this the hard way. This low maintenance plant makes a wonderful addition to any herb garden, and will thrive wherever Mediterranean plants (e.g. fennel, lavender, oregano, etc.) succeed. This woody herb has been hardy to nights of 13F (-11C) so far with ample mulching. I suspect that it will survive colder temperatures with proper mulching and care.
Yes it does grow wild in Israel, but it is nevertheless a protected species. The responsible way to obtain the "Za'athar asli" spice is t...Read Moreo grow your own, and plants are commonly on offer in retail nurseries throughout Israel. In the garden, it develops into a sturdy perennial, but root-collar rot is a known hazard: plant it in a well-drained, sunny spot, do not overwater and do not mulch!
Runners are a common occurrence, and they can be used for propagation, but it is quite easy to grow it from seed. I never had any luck with cuttings, but this is the way commercial nurseries do it.
The name Majorana syriaca is now obsolete, and it should be called Origanum syriacum. Most Oregano varieties grown in Israel have some Za'athar DNA, because the researchers at the Ministry of Agriculture thought it was a good idea to adapt Oregano to the local conditions, so Israeli Oregano should not be propagated from seed since the offspring is likely to be rather different from the hybrid parent plant.
I collected Za'athar seeds in the wild, so I am quite sure that I have the real thing.
I think the hardiness data is off for this plant.. I live in a wet (non-mediterrenean) zone 7 in Maryland, and this plant not only has co...Read Moreme back every year for about 10 years, but usually stays green in the lower parts all winter. It's seen as low as 5 degrees F in 2009. It is in a open, exposed, non protected location. It gets bigger every year.
Very pretty fuzzy leaves and strong oregano flavour. I love this little herb! Propagated very easily from seeds bought from Horizon Her...Read Morebs. Should be tolerant of our 10a hardiness zone. First winter will tell. Everyone should try this - it's probably hardier than you think. Keep it on the dry side in winter.
Also known as Za'atar from its use in the herb mix for the Lebanese bread Manakeesh.
I shall see if this plant can be as hardy as zone 6 here, it is worthy for the experiment!
Fairly easily cultivated from seed, this delicious herb appreciates sun and water when young, but watering should be curtailed as the pla...Read More
Yes it does grow wild in Israel, but it is nevertheless a protected species. The responsible way to obtain the "Za'athar asli" spice is t...Read More
I think the hardiness data is off for this plant.. I live in a wet (non-mediterrenean) zone 7 in Maryland, and this plant not only has co...Read More
This is also known as Zaatar, or Middle Eastern Oregano (as opposed to Greek Oregano).
Very pretty fuzzy leaves and strong oregano flavour. I love this little herb! Propagated very easily from seeds bought from Horizon Her...Read More
Grows wild in Israel. Very aromatic and delicious. Main component in the mixture Arab spice called Za'atar.