Syrian

Family: Lamiaceae Herb

Planting Schedule

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Aromatic as sun-warmed stone, Syrian oregano unfurls a bold, resinous fragrance with a bright, savory bite that lingers on the palate.

The leaves are tender yet substantial—small, velvety, and richly textured—ideal for drying into fragrant pinches or using fresh to perfume sauces, roasted vegetables, and hearty stews. A perennial for the home garden, it rewards repeated harvests with steady vigor and a dependable, aromatic presence from early summer onward.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Upright

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Syrian Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	May 18th	Jun 15th	Aug 14th – Jul 15th
Zone 1b	May 4th	Jun 1st	Jul 31st – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Apr 27th	May 25th	Jul 24th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 14th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Apr 21st	May 19th	Jul 18th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Apr 17th	May 15th	Jul 14th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Apr 15th	May 13th	Jul 12th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Apr 10th	May 8th	Jul 7th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Apr 6th	May 4th	Jul 3rd – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Apr 3rd	May 1st	Jun 30th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Mar 28th	Apr 25th	Jun 24th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Mar 23rd	Apr 20th	Jun 19th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Mar 13th	Apr 10th	Jun 9th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Mar 4th	Apr 1st	May 31st – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Feb 23rd	Mar 23rd	May 22nd – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Feb 6th	Mar 6th	May 5th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Jan 12th	Feb 9th	Apr 10th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 30th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	50
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Syrian oregano is all about that resinous, sun-baked aroma—use it confidently in heat-heavy dishes where other herbs can go thin. Choose it for tender-yet-holdy leaves: fresh to perfume, dried to anchor.

Best Uses

pinch-dry it for high-impact seasoning on roasted chicken, lamb, and potatoes
stir fresh leaves into tomato-based sauces at the end to keep the perfume intact
toss into olive-oil sautés for mushrooms and charred vegetables
use in hearty stews where it mellows into a fragrant, savory backbone

Flavor Profile

sun-warmed, resinous oregano aroma bright, savory bite with a gentle peppery edge tender but substantial, velvety leaf texture lingering herbal finish that holds up to heat

Kitchen Pairings

extra-virgin olive oil garlic lemon black pepper feta lamb

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease issue for Origanum syriacum (Syrian oregano), and how can I prevent it?

Origanum syriacum is prone to powdery mildew and root/stem rot when air is stagnant and the soil stays wet. Water at the soil line and space plants to allow airflow, then remove badly affected leaves; if mildew appears, spray with a horticultural sulfur product following the label and repeat as directed. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil—use a well-draining mix so the root zone dries slightly between waterings.

How often should I water Syrian oregano during its main growth phase?

During the main growing phase, keep the soil lightly moist but not consistently wet—water about once every 5–7 days depending on heat and how fast your soil drains. Aim for the top 1 inch to dry before watering again, because Origanum syriacum performs best with a dry-to-moist cycle rather than constant moisture. In full sun, containers often need more frequent checks than in-ground beds.

How do I know when Origanum syriacum is ready to harvest?

Harvest at about 60 days when plants are well established and leafy with vigorous side shoots. Take cuttings in the morning when oils are highest, snipping just above a pair of leaves to encourage new growth. If you’re harvesting for the strongest flavor, harvest before the first flowers open.