Orach ‘Ruby Gold’
Atriplex hortensis
Description
This incredible orach was shared with us by Frank Morton at Wild Garden Seed. Its eye-catching foliage is a glowing acid green, and stalks are streaked with cranberry. Early in the season, harvest the young leafy stems for an excellent spring bouquet addition. If plants are left to grow, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous seedy stems that are wonderful in large midsummer arrangements. Seedpods are a blend of dusty rose and sunbleached moss.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 5 to 7 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in
Height: 5 to 7 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Orach can also be direct-seeded into the garden once all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Can be harvested in the foliage stage or once seedpods have formed. Immediately after harvesting foliage, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Seeded stems require no special treatment. Expect a vase life of 7 to 14 days.
Details
Description
This incredible orach was shared with us by Frank Morton at Wild Garden Seed. Its eye-catching foliage is a glowing acid green, and stalks are streaked with cranberry. Early in the season, harvest the young leafy stems for an excellent spring bouquet addition. If plants are left to grow, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous seedy stems that are wonderful in large midsummer arrangements. Seedpods are a blend of dusty rose and sunbleached moss.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 5 to 7 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in
Height: 5 to 7 ft
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 75 to 110 days
Plant spacing: 12 in
Pinch: when 8 to 12 in
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start indoors in trays 4 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Orach can also be direct-seeded into the garden once all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Can be harvested in the foliage stage or once seedpods have formed. Immediately after harvesting foliage, dip the bottom few inches of the stems in boiling water for 7 to 10 seconds, or use Quick Dip, then place into cool water. Seeded stems require no special treatment. Expect a vase life of 7 to 14 days.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
