Grown Ruby Red Orach?

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Ruby Red Orach — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Ruby Red Orach
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

28days to harvest

7-10 daysdays to germinate

Z1–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

Heirloom

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost, or succession plant every 2-3 weeks

Cultivation

Sun: Part sun
Water: Regular
Soil: Well-drained loam, neutral pH
Spacing: 9-12 inches
Height: 18-24 inches
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Deep purple
Shape: Oval to oblong leaves
Flavour: Mild spinach-like flavor with subtle tangy notes and tender texture

In the kitchen

Salads, fresh greens, sautéed, cooked like spinach

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, flea beetles, slugs
Diseases: Downy mildew, leaf spot

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	June – September
2	—	—	May – July	June – September
3	—	—	May – June	May – October
4	—	—	April – June	May – October
5	—	—	April – May	May – November
6	—	—	April – May	April – November
7	—	—	March – May	April – November
8	—	—	March – April	March – December
9	—	—	February – March	February – December
10	—	—	January – March	February – December
11	—	—	January – February	January – December
12	—	—	January – February	January – December
13	—	—	January – February	January – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack leafy greens

LettuceSimilar growing requirements and harvest timing, efficient use of garden space

RadishesQuick harvest breaks up soil and deters flea beetles that can damage orach leaves

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow orach roots, maximizes garden space

MarigoldsRepel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects

SpinachSimilar cool-season growing requirements and complementary harvest schedule

NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and add color while repelling cucumber beetles

DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps that control pests

Avoid

SunflowersTall growth creates excessive shade and competes heavily for nutrients and water

BrassicasHeavy feeders that compete for similar nutrients, may attract shared pests like flea beetles

Black WalnutReleases juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many vegetables including orach

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.742
Fat (g): 0.0738
Carbohydrate (g): 3.37
Vitamin K (µg): 20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.0401
Calcium (mg): 14.2
Iron (mg): 0.0332
Magnesium (mg): 6.31
Phosphorus (mg): 19.2
Potassium (mg): 139
Zinc (mg): 0.173

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Ruby Red Orach?

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