Orach - Copper Plume

OP. Also known as garden orache, orache, mountain spinach, French spinach, or arrach this plant originated in Asia and Europe. Used as a leafy vegetable similar to spinach, it is a good option for warmer weather or climates as it holds longer than spinach before bolting. Described to have a salty, spinach-like taste, can be used raw of cooked in all ways you would use spinach. We love the young leaves in salads, and cooking the mature leaves in stir-fries or making spanakopita. Historically, the leaves were used to colour pasta in Italy. This particular variety has caught the eye of the floral world as the seed heads produce a beautiful plume (featherlike) display of purple through to copper papery thin seed pods depending on when harvested. Grown as a back boarder in an ornamental garden, or harvested as part of floral arrangements, this plant has many uses in the garden.

Scatter sow seeds in a tray in spring. Prick out to 4 cm diagonal spacing when true leaves appear. Transplant to a fertile garden bed at 30 cm diagonal spacing. Or broadcast seed direct into garden bed, lightly rake in. Cover with shade cloth and water regularly. Remove the shade cloth once the seeds germinate. Thin as required. 

50 seeds.