Orach ‘Ruby Gold’

Atriplex hortensis

Features

  • Easy to grow
  • Edible
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Heat-loving
  • Medium producer

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

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

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

How to Grow

How to Start Flowers from Seed
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Heat-loving Flowers and Foliage
How to Start Flowers from Seed
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Heat-loving Flowers and Foliage

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.