Lebanese Oregano
70d to harvest
Sun-warmed and intensely aromatic, Lebanese Oregano unfurls a bold, Mediterranean fragrance with a peppery, resinous lift and a clean, herbal finish. The foliage forms dense, upright clumps with small, velvety leaves that hold their character through harvest, delivering a concentrated flavor that shines in everyday herb blends. Grow it for fresh use and for drying—its leaves keep their fragrance beautifully for sauces, roasted vegetable seasonings, and pickling brines.
Crop Dates
Growing note: In frost-free Zone 13a, grow this cool-season crop during the cooler dry season (October–February).
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Indoors | — |
| Climate | Frost-Free Climate |
| Transplant / Sow Outdoors | Oct 1st |
| Harvest Begins | Dec 10th |
| Harvest Ends | Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 70 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 70 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 60 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 35 |
| Harden Off (days) | 7 |
Recommended Companions
Frequently Asked Questions
What pests or diseases commonly affect Origanum syriacum (Lebanese oregano), and how do I control them?
Lebanese oregano often suffers from powdery mildew and root rot in damp, poorly drained soil, especially during humid spells. Water at the base and keep foliage dry, improve drainage with coarse compost/sand, and space plants for airflow; remove badly affected leaves early. If mildew appears, spray in the evening with a labeled sulfur-based fungicide or potassium bicarbonate to slow spread, and avoid frequent overhead watering.
How can I tell when Origanum syriacum is ready to harvest (and how much can I take)?
Harvest once plants are well established and typically around 70 days from sowing, when stems are leafy and aromatic with multiple sets of side shoots. For best flavor, start with “cut-and-come-again” harvesting: snip the top 1/3 of non-woody stems, just above a leaf pair, leaving lower growth to re-sprout. If you wait for flowering buds to fully open, the leaves often become more bitter; harvesting at early bud stage helps maintain a milder, zatar-style profile.