Red mountain spinach/Red orache (Atriplex hortensis var. rubra)

Atriplex hortensis is grown for its succulent leaves which can be eaten cooked like spinach or raw in salads. It was commonly grown in Mediterranean regions from early times, until spinach became the more favoured leaf vegetable. Orache is easier to grow than spinach – it will happily grow haphazardly among other plants and has less tendency to bolt.
 
This red variety, rubra, looks quite stunning in the garden, especially when in flower. Unlike many other leafy vegetables, the leaves do not turn bitter when the plant flowers, so harvesting can continue.  Plants also self-seed freely.
 
Red orache will grow in most types of soil, but if the soil is poor or very dry, plants will have a tendency to stay small and bolt. Planting in soil with a high content of organic matter and watering well will give bigger, bushier plants to 1.5m and lots more leaves to harvest. Grows best in full sun but will tolerate some shade.
 
For best results, sow seeds directly into the ground 5mm deep in spring. Alternatively, sow in a tray of compost in late winter/early spring and keep at 15-20C. Prick out into 7 cm. pots and plant in final positions when the plants are established.