Marjoram : Zaatar

Widely used in the Middle East (especially Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel, where it is native) to flavor meats and breads, it is a wonderfully heady, richly scented and 'spicy' seasoning that combines the flavors of Marjoram, Oregano, and Thyme. Easy to grow on deer-resistant plants in poor to average soil, it makes a nice perimeter planting for the herb garden. A member of the Origanum family, Zaatar Marjoram is actually closer in flavor to a mild Thyme than to the Sweet Marjoram with which we are familiar in this country. It is commonly used to season grilled mutton, and is also added to breads. Zaatar is easy to grow and reaches about 3 feet high and wide, topped with flowerspikes that are also used (along with the leaves) in seasoning. It blooms in late spring to early summer, and actually prefers poor to only moderately fertile soil, preferably alkaline (lime-based). It also does well in containers -- just give it plenty of sunshine, very little if any fertilizer, and it's on its way in no time! Hardy in zones 8-10, but grown as an annual everywhere else.. In Israel, the za'atar plant is a protected species, and at certain times of year Israel does not allow people to harvest it, for fear it will become extinct. This plant that Israel seeks to preserve can be traced all the way back to the Bible, where it is call eizov (often translated as hyssop, though biblical hyssop was something different from the plant that today we call hyssop). In the Bible, eizov has many uses, probably due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties,

Lamiaceae Origanum majorana

Start Indoors and/or Transplant

Yearly

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

This is an example of the timeline you would see based on your growing conditions.

Marjoram: Marjoram

Zaatar

Marjoram is one of the most fragrant herbs known. The plant fills the air with scent even when gently brushed against. Marjoram is a close relative of Oregano, but sweeter and more aromatic. The herb is grown as a perennial in areas with milder winters, and as an annual in areas with colder winters.

[X] Close

Basics

Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Perennial
Growing Habit: Bush
Hardiness: Half Hardy

This tender perennial prefers full sunlight and thrives in warm daytime temperatures in the 70 °F range. Marjoram will not survive harsh northern winters outdoors.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Cultivar Type: -
Growing Conditions: Cool, Warm, Hot

Oregano prefers light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a neutral pH. Water regularly, but moderately.
Outdoor Growing Temp
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F

Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before frost or sow seed directly after last frost, when soils have reached at least 60˚ F.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool, Warm, Hot)

Marjoram is native to the Mediterranean, and prefers to be placed in full sun.
Water: Low

Marjoram is adapted to a Mediterranean climate and suffers more from too much water than not enough.
Feeder: Light

Marjoram should be grown in soil that is lightly fertilized.
Suitability: Drought tolerant, Tolerates light frost, High heat
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes

Marjoram is perfectly suited for container growing, as long as the roots have at least 6" of growing space. Make sure to choose a container that drains well and fill with regular potting soil. Water when the soil becomes dry. Place in full sun. Trim regularly.Marjoram will happily live in a container for the long term, but you should transfer to a larger pot before the roots rot.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Color: Green
Fruit Size: 12.0 - 24.0"
Plant Height: 12.0 - 14.0"
Plant Diameter: - "
Hardiness Zone: 5-11
Disease Resistance: -
Taste Profile: Slightly minty and citrusy. Strong and sweet.
Rotation Group: Perennial

Legend

What's Smart Gardener ?

Plant Guide

Marjoram : Zaatar

Zaatar

Basics