How to Grow Red Orache
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Red Orache
Atriplex hortensis var. rubra
vegetableRed orache is a leafy green vegetable with deep burgundy or crimson foliage that adds striking color to gardens and plates. This fast-growing annual is prized for its tender, mild-flavored leaves that can be eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked. The plant is ornamental as well as edible, making it an attractive addition to decorative vegetable gardens.
When should you plant Red Orache in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Red Orache timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Orache
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Orache
Around May 27≈ 40 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Orache dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-10; cool-season crop best grown in spring and fall
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Get my Red Orache timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
1-2 weeksTiny red-tinted cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear with distinct deep red coloring
Keep soil moist; thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear; provide bright light if starting indoors
Vegetative Growth
2-3 weeksPlant develops multiple leaves with increasingly vibrant red-burgundy color; stems remain tender and edible
Water consistently; apply light fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; mulch to retain moisture and cool roots
Leaf Expansion
2-4 weeksFoliage becomes dense and bushy; leaves reach full size and deepest color; plant becomes ornamental
Begin harvesting outer leaves to encourage continued growth; maintain consistent moisture to delay bolting
Bolting
1-2 weeksPlant sends up a central flower spike with small yellow-red flowers; leaves become tougher and more bitter
Harvest remaining tender leaves before bolting; pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production if desired
Seed Production
2-3 weeksFlowers are pollinated and develop small seed pods; foliage quality declines significantly
Allow plants to mature if saving seeds; otherwise, pull plants and replant for successive crops
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers on young plants; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings
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and
Hand-pick; use copper tape barriers; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
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Remove affected leaves; use reflective mulch; apply spinosad if infestation is severe
Uses
Fresh Salads & Raw Preparations
CulinaryYoung tender leaves add striking visual appeal and mild flavor to green salads. Red orache pairs beautifully with other salad greens and makes an eye-catching garnish for plates. [source]
Light Cooking & Sautéing
CulinaryMature leaves can be lightly steamed, sautéed, or added to soups at the last moment. The leaves become tender when briefly cooked and develop a slightly nutty flavor. [source]
Nutritional Support
MedicinalRed orache is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. The deep red color indicates high levels of antioxidants and betalains. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdThe deep red foliage can be used to create natural plant-based dyes for textiles. Historical uses include producing red and burgundy dyes for fabric. [source]
Ornamental Garden Plant
CraftThe striking ruby-red foliage makes red orache an attractive decorative element in potager and ornamental vegetable gardens. It creates beautiful color contrast with green herbs and vegetables. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plant is 6-8 inches tall; pick leaves in the morning for best flavor and crispness. Harvest regularly to encourage bushiness and delay bolting. Younger leaves are most tender and have the mildest flavor. Cut entire plants at soil level for a complete harvest, or strip individual leaves and allow the plant to continue growing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red orache is an ancient crop that dates back thousands of years and was cultivated in India, China, and the Mediterranean region before being adopted by European gardeners.
- 🌱 The plant is extremely cold-tolerant and can survive light frosts, making it ideal for extending the growing season into fall and even winter in mild climates.
- 🌱 Red orache produces distinctive winged seeds that are remarkably light and can blow considerable distances on the wind, sometimes self-sowing in the following season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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