SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface or barely cover
Seed To Bloom:
Harvest leaves when young and tender at about 40-60 days after sowing.
Starting Indoors:
Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Sow in early spring when the soil is cool and frost is still possible. Sow again after frost if harvesting edible leaves, and again in midsummer for fall harvest.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Mountain spinach or orach is a cool-season crop that reliably produces tender young leaves into summer after regular spinach has bolted. Harvest small plants when thinning, or make trimmings as a "cut and come again" crop. Beautiful as an ornamental, the colorful tall plumes become beaded with ripening seed. Grow in the veggie garden and mixed borders.
Watering Details:
Although somewhat drought tolerant, water during dry spells to inhibit bolting and maintain quality.
Soil pH:
Slightly acid to slightly alkaline
Fertilizer:
Mix in about 2" of compost before planting.
Diseases & Pests:
No major problems. Aphids can be discouraged by hosing down leaves with water.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when dangling seedpods develop.