How to Grow and Care for Orach, a Warm Weather Spinach Alternative

Orach Care

Here are the main care requirements for orach plants for beginners:

• Location with full sunlight.
• Plant in moist, well-drained soil to avoid root rot.
• Fertilize regularly or amend the soil with organic matter.
• Prune tall plants to produce the most flavorful leaves.

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Light

Although plantain is a hardy and easy plant to grow, one thing it does need for good growth is full sun.

Land

Orach grows well in most soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. However, it prefers loam soil that is rich in organic matter and has a moisture-retaining factor.

This plant tolerates a wide range of pH levels and is ideal for highly alkaline soils, which some species struggle with. Orach is also known to tolerate high salinity.

Water

Although orach is a fairly drought tolerant plant, lack of water often results in the plant wilting. This early seed production means that the leaf harvest may not be usable.

It is best to water liberally in dry conditions to keep the soil evenly moist without allowing the roots to sit in water. Adding a moisture-retaining layer of mulch can be helpful during periods of drought.

Temperature and humidity

Orach is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. One of its greatest advantages is its heat tolerance. It grows best in temperate climates, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 75°F.

However, you can still enjoy a bountiful, delicious harvest during a heat wave, as long as you keep the soil moist. Light frosts are not a problem for orach plants, but prolonged frosts will kill the plants.

Orach is also suitable for locations without sunlight as strong winds do not affect it.

Fertilizer

Fast-growing chicory plants prefer rich, fertile soil, so consider amending the soil with organic matter such as leaf compost or manure.

A few times during the growing season, you can also provide extra nutrients by applying a high nitrogen NPK fertilizer. This ensures the focus is on leaf growth.

Types of Orach

Tall leafy cruciferous plants, often grown for the ornamental value as well as the nutritional value of their leaves, and this is especially true of the ‘Fire Red’ variety.

The red color of the leaves remains even after cooking, making it an attractive addition to garnish dishes. There are also white (light green) and green (dark green) variants.

Cut

Orach can grow up to 6 feet tall. However, keeping it short with pruning helps produce tender leaves that are not too bitter. Pruning and plenty of water also helps reduce the risk of the plant blooming during hot, dry periods.

Orach Breeding

The easiest way to propagate fast-growing chicory is to sow seeds directly into the garden anytime from March to August. If you want a constant supply of leaves throughout the growing season, sow seeds four weeks apart throughout the growing season. Follow these steps to promote germination:

1. Sow seeds about 20 to 30 inches apart after all danger of frost has passed. You don’t need to start this hardy plant indoors.
2. Sow seeds so that they are only covered with a thin layer of soil (less than half an inch deep).
3. Sow each seed about 1 to 2 inches apart.
4. Keep the soil evenly moist.
5. Once they sprout, thin the seedlings so that there are about 6 to 10 inches between them.
6. The tender, flavorful leaves will be ready to harvest 40 to 60 days after sowing.
7. Use scissors to trim each leaf when it reaches the size you want.
8. Alternatively, you can harvest the entire plant when it is about 4 to 6 inches tall.

Common pests and plant diseases

The hardy orach plant is generally disease and pest free. However, it can become host to a few rare insects. These include the beet cyst worm (Heterodera schachtii) and ladybug (Cassida Nebula).

Removing orach and rotating crops for several years with less susceptible species is often the best way to get rid of strongyloides. Ladybugs can be removed by hand before an infestation gets out of control. Aphids can also be a problem occasionally.

Occasionally, the plant may also be affected by Wisconsin tobacco disease (Pseudomonas syringae pv. Mellea) or bacterial cancer (Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae).

Although rare, both of these bacterial diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Again, it is sometimes best to remove infected plants and rotate with less susceptible species.

Common Problems with Orach

Orach is an easy plant to grow in your vegetable garden or flower bed. But even hardy plants won’t thrive if you don’t provide the conditions they prefer.

Here are some early warning signs that you need to make changes if you want a bumper crop.

Yellow leaves

If your leaves are turning yellow, you have some detective work to do. This is usually related to lack of light, over- or under-watering, or pest problems. You may need to move your orach to a sunnier location or adjust your watering schedule to ensure the soil is evenly moist, not soggy.

stunted growth

If these tall, upright, fast-growing plants don’t seem to be growing as you’d expect, they may be infected with a disease-causing nematode, such as beet cyst worm. Choosing potatoes as companion plants can also lead to stunted growth.

Companion Planting

In general, orach plants do well with intercropping, and are also compatible with spinach or amaranth. Here are some suggestions for what to plant with them.

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima (bellflower) is a beautiful flower that attracts hoverflies. These beneficial insects feed on aphids, helping to control aphid populations that can sometimes be a problem for orach.

Kinds of bean

Peas and beans provide a beneficial source of nitrogen to the soil. This is ideal for helping to promote the growth of leafy plants such as legumes.