Propagate by seed - Each husk from plants contains a single seed.

Germination temperature: 50 F to 65 F

Days to emergence: 7 to 14

Seed can be saved 5 years.

While touted as a warm-season alternative to spinach, orach is a cool-season plant that is most productive and flavorful when grown in spring and fall. It is more tolerant of both heat and cold than spinach. Harvest can continue into summer after spinach has gone to seed (bolted).

About 2 to 3 weeks before last frost, sow seed � to � inch deep, 2 inches apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.

Harvest tightly spaced plants when 4 to 6 inches tall, cutting them an inch or two above the soil in "cut and come again" style. Or thin plants at this height to 6- to 18-inch spacings, eating the thinnings.

Continue to harvest young leaves from older plants as they mature, leaving the older leaves to help sustain the plants. Pinch off flower buds to encourage branching and more young, vegetative growth.

Make succession plantings until weather warms. Make mid-summer plantings for fall harvest.

Aphids - A hard stream of water can be used to remove aphids from plants. Wash off with water occasionally as needed early in the day. Check for evidence of natural enemies such as gray-brown or bloated parasitized aphids and the presence of alligator-like larvae of lady beetles and lacewings.

Seldom a problem in home gardens.

Browse orach varieties at our Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners website.

Red-, yellow- and green-leaved varieties are available, each with a slightly different spinach-like flavor. Red varieties are prized in ornamental plantings and edible landscaping. The yellow varieties are still popular in Europe - particularly France - because of their superior flavor.