Growing Non-GMO Organic Red Orach Vegetable Seeds
These seeds can be sown multiple times throughout the year due to their short growing time. Typically spring and fall are the most successful times to plant, as the optimal germination temperature is 50-60 degrees F. Orach seeds can be planted before the last frost date but should be protected from frosts with a cloche or row cover. Whenever you sow, plan on using a complete fertilizer or compost. Avoid problems by being attentive to the soil moisture level and always keeping it moist; mulch around the base of the plants once they have grown a bit to reduce weeds, avoid premature bolting, and improve soil moisture. Orachs can be pinched back periodically to keep them compact or allowed to grow tall for a more traditional look.
If your Orach seedlings start to look pale, the soil may not be fertile enough. If your area experiences high winds, protect the Orach plants by mounding up soil around the base of the plants to protect the roots. Avoid planting any variety of brassica in the same location more often than every 5 or 6 years. Where winters are mild, orach can be grown all year round.
Red Orach in the Vegetable Garden
Red orach looks very attractive when planted in rows and blocks. They are wind pollinated and should be planted adjacent to other orach plants if seed collection is desired. The red color of the leaves is unique and adds an interesting pop of color to traditional vegetable gardens. Keep them compact by pinching or allowing them to grow tall for a background plant.
Harvesting Red Orach
Red Orachs are best harvested for consumption before they flower and as early as desired. Some harvest at the microgreen or early shoot stage. The most popular thing to do is wait until the plant is 1-2 feet tall and then employ a cut-and-come-again method to keep the plants compact but productive.The leaves can be snipped off at the base, and stalks can be trimmed back to a node.
About Red Orach Garden Seeds
Red Orach, also known as Mountain Spinach, was a garden staple from before the Greeks to the middle ages. During the middle ages, Spinach mysteriously became more popular despite its less robust growth habit.
Consume Red Oracha and enjoy many health benefits, including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, plentiful minerals, and potassium.
The younger leaves are delicious when eaten fresh. The older the leaves get, the tougher they get. Simply chop up and cook like kale or a similar green for higher fiber content! The red color disappears when cooked, and they become green like spinach. The seeds are also edible and can be ground into flour!
Noted as a “superfood” and “the new kale” by many magazines and influencers, this plant is sure to only continue growing in popularity!
Orachs are closely related to amaranth and swiss chard. Knowing these connections can give you a good idea of the flavor and growing style.
