Za'atar Oregano in Zone 7a & 7b
Origanum syriacum
Yes, za'atar oregano grows in zones 7a and 7b. Start seeds indoors Feb 13–Feb 20 and plant out Apr 24–May 1.
When to plant za'atar oregano in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b 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 | Feb 13–Feb 20 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 24–May 1 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 23–Jul 30 (~90 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 7b
These go outside within two weeks of za'atar oregano in zone 7b, so one planting day can cover them.
- BasilApr 24–May 1
- RosemaryApr 24–May 1
- BorageApr 10–Apr 17
- SageApr 24–May 1
- TobaccoApr 24–May 1
- CatmintApr 17–Apr 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 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Za'atar oregano needs about 90 days from transplant to first harvest.
Za'atar Oregano planting windows in every zone
Zone 7b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 7b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Za'atar Oregano in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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