Origanum syriacum Seeds | Syrian Oregano
LATIN NAME: Origanum syriacum
COMMON NAME: Syrian Oregano
Plant Profile
Syrian Oregano (Origanum syriacum) grows as a low, bushy, evergreen perennial in the origanum family. Syrian oregano is wild oregano of the eastern hillsides, the heart of the za’atar blend. Dried, crushed leaves are one of great spices of the eastern kitchen, mixed into the za’atar and sprinkled over breads and the salads. It is a fine, easy, generous plant of sunny, dry, well-drained ground, and it stands among great culinary oreganos. Few species give back so generously for so little effort.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Origanum syriacum ranges from the botany of the Origanum family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Syrian oregano has carved a quiet but solid place in plant science, and herb has been studied for small, oval leaves and fine, warm, aromatic character of the whole plant. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
Syrian Oregano brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Syrian oregano does a lot of work in kitchen and the garden. Dried, crushed leaves are one of great spices of the eastern kitchen, mixed into the za’atar blend and sprinkled over breads, salads and grilled meats, and fine, warm, aromatic scent fills sunny border through the season. Low, bushy plant is an easy, dependable filler of dry, sunny garden, and white flowers feed bees through the summer. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Oregano is a medicinal spice: its carvacrol and thymol essential oils are potent, well-studied antimicrobials, and oregano oil is a best-selling immune supplement; in the kitchen it is the soul of Mediterranean cooking.
Growing from Seed
Starting Syrian Oregano from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Among the Origanum group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Syrian Oregano often pair it with these related subjects: