Sativa - Lebanese Oregano “Babilye” – Seeds

• The za’atar ingredient: This oregano is the essential main ingredient in the famous Middle Eastern spice blend ‘za’atar’ (along with sesame, sumac and salt).
• Distinctive appearance: The plant often has slightly silvery-hairy leaves that protect it from evaporation – a typical feature of its sun-drenched origins.
• A haven for insects: During the flowering season, Lebanese oregano is a real magnet for pollinators. The small, whitish inflorescences provide plenty of nectar for bees and wild bees.

Cultivation & Care

As a native of the south, “Babilye” requires plenty of warmth and protection from cold, wet winters:

• Location: Full sun, warm and sheltered from the wind. Ideal for rockeries, herb spirals or growing in pots.
• Soil: The soil should be poor, calcareous and extremely well-drained. Waterlogging is the plant’s greatest enemy.
• Hardiness: The plant is sensitive to frost. In mild areas, robust winter protection (fleece, brushwood) may suffice, but it is safer to overwinter it frost-free indoors or in a cool conservatory.
• Sowing (light-dependent germination): The fine seeds are simply scattered over the soil and pressed down, but not covered with soil (sowing depth 0 cm).

Important plant data

• Botanical name: Origanum syriacum
• Lifespan: Perennial (but sensitive to frost)
• Sowing depth: 0 cm (light-dependent germination!)
• Spacing within the row: 20 cm
• Spacing between rows: 25 cm
• Special feature: Conservation breeding by Sativa (high varietal purity and quality)

Culinary uses

• Make your own zaatar: Mix dried leaves with toasted sesame seeds, sumac and a pinch of salt. Delicious with olive oil on fresh flatbread.
• Herb: Due to its pungency, ideal for barbecued meat, lamb, hearty stews or Mediterranean roasted vegetables.
• Medicinal properties: Thanks to its high thymol content, the herb has strong antibacterial properties and is traditionally used to support the respiratory system.

Ecological contribution: Bee-friendly

This plant is labelled bee-friendly. Its abundant nectar supply makes it a valuable feeding station for honeybees and many wild bee species. In a herb garden, it ensures that these beneficial pollinators can find food over a long period.