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Orach Vegetable & Microgreens Seeds
SEASON
Annual
USDA ZONES
4 - 8
HEIGHT
72 inches
BLOOM SEASON
Mid summer
FOLIAGE COLOR
Red
ENVIRONMENT
Full sun
SOIL TYPE
Well drained, sandy to loamy, soil pH 5.0 - 8.2
LATIN NAME
Atriplex hortensis
About...
Orach (Atriplex Hortensis Red Plume) - Grow Orach seeds and grow some beautiful herb plants for an edible landscape. Atriplex hortensis, commonly referred to as Garden Orache, Red Orach, Mountain Spinach, or French Spinach, is a hardy, annual herb plant that grows upright up to 72 inches tall depending on where it is grown.MORE VEGETABLE OPTIONS
Planting Directions
TEMPERATURE
60 - 70F
AVERAGE GERM TIME
14 - 21 days
LIGHT REQUIRED
Yes
DEPTH
Surface sow and thinly cover
SOWING RATE
2 - 3 seeds per plant
MOISTURE
Keep seeds moist until germination
PLANT SPACING
15 inches
Orach (Atriplex Hortensis Red Plume) - Grow Orach seeds and grow some beautiful herb plants for an edible landscape. Atriplex hortensis, commonly referred to as Garden Orache, Red Orach, Mountain Spinach, or French Spinach, is a hardy, annual herb plant that grows upright up to 72 inches tall depending on where it is grown. The leaves are variously shaped, but somewhat oblong, comparatively thin in texture, and slightly acid to the taste. The flowers are small and obscure, greenish or reddish, corresponding in a degree with the color of the foliage of the herb plant. The Orach herb is a cool season plant, but it does not bolt as quickly as regular spinach. The leaves can be harvested longer into the summer without any bitter taste, and they are used as salad greens or cooked. This Red Plume variety is also highly ornamental and prized for its red coloring.
How To Grow Red Orach: Red Orach is an annual herb suitable for full sun. Sow the Orach seeds in the spring as early as the soil can be worked. Thinly cover the herb seeds and keep them moist. Sow the seeds 2 inches apart and in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin the young plants when they are 6 inches in height, leaving 12 to 18 inches for spacing. The thinned plants can be eaten. Harvest the young leaves like spinach.
Common Questions
How much water does orach need to produce good leaves?
Although orach is relatively drought-resistant, a lack of water often leads to bolting. This early seed production can render the leaf harvest unusable. To maintain optimal growth in dry conditions, it's advisable to water generously, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist while preventing the roots from sitting in water. Applying a layer of moisture-retaining mulch can also be beneficial during dry spells.
Do I need to fertilize my orach plants?
Fast-growing orach thrives in rich, fertile soils, so it's beneficial to enhance the soil with organic materials like leaf mold compost or manure. During the growing season, consider providing an extra nutrient boost by applying an NPK fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. This will prioritize the development of lush foliage.
Do I need to prune my orach plants?
Orach can reach a height of 6 feet. However, by regularly clipping it, you can maintain a shorter plant that produces tender leaves with less bitterness. Additionally, proper pruning and sufficient watering can minimize the risk of bolting during hot and dry conditions.
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