Purple Orach
| Purple Orach | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae C.Presl[1] |
| Species | |
Purple Orach or Orach, Purple Atriplex hortensis, also known as Garden Orache, Red Orach, Mountain Spinach, French Spinach and Sea Purslane. It is also sometimes referred to as Salt Bush due to its tolerance for alkaline and saline soils. The name orach is derived from the Latin ‘aurago’ meaning golden herb.[2]
Origin
Native to parts of Europe and Asia, Orach has a long history of being cultivated as a garden vegetable in the Mediterranean since around 2000 BC.
Description
Purple Orach is today a lesser-known annual vegetable from the same family as Spinach; it seems to have fallen out of fashion as a vegetable in the West sometime during the early 20th century. The broad, purple leaves have a similar flavour and texture to Spinach, but the plants have a much greater ability to cope with high temperatures which would otherwise cause regular Spinach to wilt and die. Can reach 80cm tall under ideal conditions. Orach 'Purple' is also sometimes called Orach 'Purple Passion'.[3]
GROWING ORACH
Rake in a level seed bed. Germinates at relatively low temperatures; volunteer plants are 3-5” tall by the last frost here in Southern Oregon, zone 7b. Or, direct sow after the last frost. Sow in spring and mid summer for a second harvest of tender leaves. Keep moist to ensure germination. Easy to grow from seed and to save seed. Soil pH 5.6-7.8. Hardiness zones 11. Annual.
Usual seed life: 3–4 years.
Planting Depth 1/4”
Soil Temp. Germ. 50-75˚F
Days to Germ. 7-20
Plant Spacing 12”
Row Spacing 8-12”
Days To Maturity 45–60
Full Sun, Moist Well Drained[4]
References
- ↑ Cheiroglossa C.Presl POWO
- ↑ "What Is Orach: Learn How To Grow Orach Plants In The Garden". Gardening Know How. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
- ↑ "Orach 'Purple'". www.succeedheirlooms.com.au. Retrieved 2020-02-10.
- ↑ "Purple Orach". www.restorationseeds.com. Unknown parameter
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