Red Orache [Atriplex hortensis rubra]

The annual red orache is an ancient and forgotten vegetable, spice, dye and medicinal plant. The taste is very mild, like spinach and ideal for self-sufficiency. Bee pasture! Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvesting the leaves.

 Description 
The red orache is an annual, ancient and forgotten vegetable, spice, dye and medicinal plant. The vegetable variety developed in ancient times is one of the oldest cultivated plants and was already cultivated around 800 AD, mainly in the Mediterranean region of Europe and Asia. The variety grows robustly, with tall plants and forms numerous large, red-purple, matte and heart-shaped leaves. The taste is very mild and spinach-like, with a delicate structure. The vitamin and mineral-rich leaves are eaten raw or prepared like spinach. Ideal for self-sufficiency and a good source of biomass for green manure. For sowing early in the year.

 General information 
Plant family: Amaranthaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 35 days
Plant height approx.: 100 cm
Root type: Deep and shallow rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 8-15 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 15x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Cabbage, Potato, Pea, Bean
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend direct sowing from January to April or in autumn from October to November. The ideal location for the plants is partial shade.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from February to May is recommended. The plants are best placed in a sunny to partially shaded location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Red orache does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
When sowing, the seeds need a thicker layer of soil in order to germinate. The plants are ideally harvested at a height of around 40 cm and then cut back by 20 cm. This stimulates new growth and extends the harvest time. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
We recommend never letting the plants dry out completely. Regular watering has a positive effect on plant growth. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Atriplex hortensis rubra
English names: Red orache, Garden Orache, Simply Orache
German names: Rote Gartenmelde, Spanischer Salat, Spanischer Spinat, Orache
Portuguese names: Pomar Vermelho
Spanish names: Huerto rojo
French names: Verger rouge

 Origin 
Country: Germany