Triple Purple Orach

Atriplex hortensis

Seeds per pack ~ 100

Germination: 87% Aug 2024 (Packed for 2025)

Triple Purple Orach, also called Mountain Spinach is a delicious leafy green that grows much taller, produces leaves for much longer, and comes in a purple form! It's an old Eurasian kitchen garden staple that will readily self-sow and become a fixture on your landscape if you let it. This variety was bred by Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed in Oregon. Frank says this about 'Triple Purple': "Our most purple kind, deeply savoyed and thick-leaved with a salty flavor that goes great in summer salads. This species loves the heat, and keeps its color when other salad items are fading into pale." 

Orach, also known as Mountain Spinach (Atriplex hortensis), is an ancient leafy vegetable that was commonly used before spinach became widespread. It is a member of the amaranth family and is known for its tolerance to both heat and cold, making it a versatile plant in various climates.  Orach has been cultivated for thousands of years and was a staple in European gardens before spinach became more popular. It is sometimes referred to as "French spinach" or "saltbush" in older texts. This plant is a fantastic addition to any garden, not only for its culinary uses but also for its ornamental value due to the vibrant colors it can bring to the garden.

The leaves of orach are its most distinctive feature. They come in a variety of colors, including green, red, purple, and even gold. The leaves are triangular to heart-shaped, with a slightly crinkled texture. They are often more vibrant in color than spinach, especially the red and purple varieties, which are particularly striking. Orach leaves can be used similarly to spinach. They are excellent in salads, stir-fries, soups, and as a cooked green. The colorful leaves can add a visual appeal to dishes.

The plant can grow quite tall, reaching up to 4-6 feet in height if left unchecked, although it is usually harvested earlier for its tender leaves. The stems are sturdy and may also exhibit a coloration similar to the leaves, particularly in the red and purple varieties. Orach has a mild, slightly salty flavor, which is less bitter than spinach. The taste can vary slightly depending on the color variety, with the red and purple types often described as having a slightly earthier taste.

Cultivation: Orach is very easy to grow and thrives in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil. It is more heat-tolerant than spinach, making it a good choice for summer gardening. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Orach grows quickly, and successive plantings can ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. The plant requires minimal care. It can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature for larger leaves. Regular harvesting of the leaves encourages the plant to produce more.