Grow bold color and earthy flavor with this garden stunner!
Orach Purple is a striking heirloom green with deep violet leaves and a mild, slightly salty flavor. It’s a heat-tolerant alternative to spinach and a favorite for edible landscaping. Whether you’re growing it for microgreens or full-sized leaves, this plant adds drama to your garden and a rich, earthy taste to your plate.
Variety: Purple Orach (Atriplex hortensis)
Growth Habit: Cool-season annual
Height: 4–6 feet
Flavor Profile: Mild, earthy, and slightly salty
Color: Deep purple leaves and stems
Planting Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil
Harvest Timeline: Baby leaves in 30 days; mature in 45–60 days
Uses: Ideal for microgreens, salads, sautés, and ornamental gardens
Fun Fact: Also known as “mountain spinach,” orach has been cultivated since ancient times and thrives when spinach bolts in the heat.
Purple Orach microgreens are a feast for the eyes and the palate. Their rich color and gentle flavor make them perfect for topping gourmet dishes or adding flair to everyday salads. Mature plants are equally stunning, imagine a garden bed glowing with deep purple foliage that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. It’s a must-grow for chefs and garden artists alike.
To Full Size
🌞 Choose a Sunny Spot: Full sun preferred, though partial shade is tolerated.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Direct sow ½ inch deep, spacing seeds 2 inches apart.
💧 Water Regularly: Keep soil moist during germination and early growth.
🌾 Thin and Maintain: Thin to 6–12 inches apart for full-sized plants.
✂️ Harvest: Pick young leaves for tender greens or allow to mature for larger harvests.
For Microgreens
🪴 Prepare Your Tray: Use a shallow tray with drainage and seed-starting mix.
🌱 Sow the Seeds: Scatter evenly across the surface.
💧 Mist and Cover: Mist gently and cover for 2–3 days.
☀️ Light and Watering: Remove cover and place under grow lights. Bottom water daily.
✂️ Harvest: Snip when greens are 2–3 inches tall, usually in 7–10 days.
