Za'atar Oregano in Zone 5a & 5b
Origanum syriacum
Yes, za'atar oregano grows in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 15–Mar 22 and plant out May 24–May 31.
When to plant za'atar oregano in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 15–Mar 22 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 24–May 31 |
| Estimated harvest | Aug 22–Aug 29 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of za'atar oregano in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilMay 24–May 31
- RosemaryMay 24–May 31
- BorageMay 10–May 17
- SageMay 24–May 31
- TobaccoMay 24–May 31
- CatmintMay 17–May 24
Za'atar is both a spice blend and a plant, and the two get confused. The blend contains sumac, sesame and salt alongside the herb. The plant is Origanum syriacum, and this profile is about the plant.
How za'atar oregano fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Za'atar oregano needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Za'atar Oregano planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Mar 20–Mar 27 | May 29–Jun 5 | Aug 27–Sep 3 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Mar 15–Mar 22 | May 24–May 31 | Aug 22–Aug 29 |
| 6a & 6b | Feb 28–Mar 7 | May 9–May 16 | Aug 7–Aug 14 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 13–Feb 20 | Apr 24–May 1 | Jul 23–Jul 30 |
| 8a & 8b | Jan 28–Feb 4 | Apr 8–Apr 15 | Jul 7–Jul 14 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 21–Dec 28 | Mar 1–Mar 8 | May 30–Jun 6 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 5–Dec 12 | Feb 13–Feb 20 | May 14–May 21 |
Harvest dates are about 90 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for za'atar oregano.
Where to buy za'atar oregano seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries za'atar oregano seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing za'atar oregano" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Za'atar Oregano in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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