85-90days to harvest
10-14 daysdays to germinate
Z3–10USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Heirloom

Sowing

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings
Soil
Well-drained loam, slightly acidic to neutral
Spacing
12-18 inches
Height
0-3 feet
Season
Tender Perennial

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Gray-green
Size
4-6".
Shape
Soft, narrow leaves on semi-upright stems
Flavour
Complex herbaceous flavor combining sweet marjoram, thyme, and oregano with warm, earthy undertones.

In the kitchen

Seasoning Mediterranean dishes, herb blends, salads, breads, roasted vegetables, meat marinades

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Spider mites, whiteflies
Diseases
Root rot, powdery mildew

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
3April – MayJune – July—July – October
4March – AprilJune – July—July – October
5March – AprilMay – June—June – October
6March – AprilMay – June—June – November
7February – MarchApril – June—June – November
8February – MarchApril – May—May – December
9January – FebruaryMarch – April—April – December
10JanuaryFebruary – April—April – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

RosemarySimilar growing conditions, repels pests, and aromatic compounds complement each other
ThymeShares Mediterranean growing preferences and helps deter common herb pests
OreganoCompatible growth habits and mutual pest deterrent properties
LavenderAttracts beneficial pollinators and repels moths and other harmful insects
SageSimilar drought tolerance and helps repel cabbage moths and carrot flies
TomatoesZa'atar's aromatic oils help deter tomato hornworms and aphids
MarigoldsNatural pest deterrent that protects against nematodes and aphids
ChivesRepels aphids and other soft-bodied insects while improving soil health

Avoid

MintAggressive spreading nature can overwhelm za'atar and compete for nutrients
FennelAllelopathic properties inhibit growth of most herbs including za'atar
Black WalnutProduces juglone which is toxic to many herbs and can stunt za'atar growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
23
Protein (g)
3.15
Fat (g)
0.64
Carbohydrate (g)
2.65
Fibre (g)
1.6
Sugars (g)
0.3
Vitamin A (µg)
264
Vitamin C (mg)
18
Vitamin E (mg)
0.8
Vitamin K (µg)
415
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.155
Folate (µg)
68
Calcium (mg)
177
Iron (mg)
3.17
Magnesium (mg)
64
Phosphorus (mg)
56
Potassium (mg)
295
Zinc (mg)
0.81
Selenium (µg)
0.3

Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the herbs growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

DarkGrow forum

Grown Zaatar?

Post a crop report — day counts, reservoir readings, what worked. Variety-specific logs are the most useful thing on the forum.

Similar varieties

Other herbs with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Zaatar suits these too.

Browse all 104 herbs