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Purple Orach

Purple Orach

(Atriplex hortensis var. rubra)

$4.76 CAD
In Stock

weight: 1g or 0.04oz ≈ 224 seeds

• Striking deep-purple leaves with mild, spinach-like flavour
• Grows up to 1.5m tall and self-seeds readily
• Tasty raw or cooked; beautiful in salads
• Heat-tolerant and slow to bolt
• Great choice for edible landscaping or ornamental beds

Growing Information

About Purple Orach
Purple Orach, also known as mountain spinach, is an eye-catching annual green with large, tender, deep-purple leaves. Often grown for its ornamental appeal as well as its culinary uses, the leaves are mild in flavour and excellent when eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. This heat-tolerant plant thrives in the warmer months when other leafy greens begin to fade, making it a dependable and beautiful garden addition.

Where Can You Grow Purple Orach?
Purple Orach grows well in Zones 3-9. It prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Ideal for kitchen gardens, edible landscapes, or ornamental borders.

History and Historical Uses
Orach is an ancient cultivated green, predating spinach in European gardens. Historically valued for its hardiness and ability to thrive in dry or salty soils, it was once a staple vegetable before spinach became more widespread. Its vivid purple leaves added both nutrition and visual interest to medieval and early modern cuisine.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Direct sow in early spring or fall; harvest young leaves continuously.
Zones 5-7: Direct sow after last frost; tolerates summer heat well.
Zones 3-4: Start indoors or sow directly after frost danger passes.

How to Grow and Harvest Purple Orach

Planting: Sow seeds 1cm (1/2in) deep, spaced 15-30cm (6-12in) apart.
Watering: Water regularly to establish; drought-tolerant once mature.
Harvesting: Pick young leaves as needed; allow a few plants to go to seed.
Maintenance: Grows quickly; self-seeds readily if allowed.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

Let Plants Mature: Allow a few plants to bolt and develop seed heads.
Harvest Seeds: Collect seeds when dry and tan-coloured.
Dry and Clean: Remove chaff and ensure seeds are fully dry.
Store: Keep in a cool, dry place; seeds remain viable for 3-5 years.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)

Growing Summary
Common Name Purple Orach
Scientific Name Atriplex hortensis var. rubra
Seed Count 224
Metric Weight 1 g
Imperial Weight 0.04 oz
Height 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft)
Spread 0.3-0.6m (1-2ft)
Canadian Zone Information 3-9
Growing Difficulty Easy
Product Reviews

Customer Reviews

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Elizabeth

I am always impressed how quickly Metchosin Farms responds to orders. This time, I am trying Purple Orach, as green Orach is delicious, and just keeps producing. Better than spinach or chard steamed!!

Thank you, we try our best :)

Have a Question?

We (a small farm) ship every week, on Wednesday!

Pick up available from our farm stand 542 Wootton Road, Metchosin

100% Canadian Grown in Metchosin, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Processed-By-Hand

Certified Organic

Open Pollinated

Non-GMO

Frequently asked questions

Do you do sell at the farm?

No.

We do have a farmstand that is open during the season: March/April through to June/July

Will my order have tracking?

Maybe.

We ship all seed packages using Letter Mail through Canada Post.

However, if you order any Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; we automatically add protected shipping in a prepaid Canada Post box. These have a tracking number.

How much does shipping cost?

Save $20 when you spend $200

All our Shipping has a handling fee.

Shipping starts at $6 and increases incrementally for seed packages only.

If you purchase Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; Shipping will increase by $18 and go up incrementally.

We charge shipping rates that are fair to our customers and allow us to operate as a small farm.

What is your Customer Satisfaction policy?

We guarantee germination up to 75% on all our seeds in proper conditions.

That means we will replace them.

We make no guarantees on our Forager Pet products, other than that they are safe for the animals listed. But do reach out if your pet isn't happy.

Mistakes happen and can be fixed. So missing items, wrong items, or even damaged items can be replaced.

We will always work with you to find an appropriate solution.

Customer Satisfaction Policy

How long does shipping take?

Letter Mail can take up to 5-6 weeks.

Parcels can take up to 1-2 weeks.

We ship Wednesdays which can also lead to delays.

Are all your products 100% Canadian?

Yes. All our products are grown in Metchosin BC or foraged from surrounding forests.

What is your refund policy?

We are a resolution first small business. That means we would love for you to be happy with our products.

However, if you want to return or refund, this can be done.

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