Atriplex hortensis Copper Plume - seeds

The Copper Plume orach is cultivated for its edible foliage, similar to spinach, and for its purple winged seed spikes, which are very attractive as a cut flower. It is a low-maintenance, large annual plant reaching almost 2 metres high. It can be grown in the vegetable garden or a sunny flower bed. It is sown in place, after the last frost, from March to July for a harvest from July to September.

Originally from Central Asia and Siberia, orach or Atriplex hortensis belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, like its cousin, spinach. Like spinach, it is a leafy vegetable that had its heyday in the Middle Ages. It is known by various names: garden orach, cultivated orach, giant spinach or false spinach. This rapidly growing annual plant can reach between 1 and 2.5 metres high. The 'Copper Plume' variety reaches about 1.8 to 2 metres high. Its dark green leaves veined with purple are edible and decorative. They can be cooked like spinach: used raw in salads, quickly stewed or used in gratins, pies, ravioli... Like its famous cousin, it is a low-calorie vegetable, rich in fibre, vitamin C and minerals. Due to their high oxalic acid content, orach leaves should be consumed in moderation by people with kidney stones.

Atriplex hortensis Copper Plume is normally grown in the vegetable garden, but it can also be integrated into a flower bed. Place it at the back, as it quickly forms a tall clump of upright stems. At the ends of these stems, flower spikes measuring 30 to 40 cm long form. Each flower transforms into a small purple-winged seed which is very decorative. Once dried, usually in late summer, these spikes will be a sensation in your floral arrangements. They last for about 6 to 7 days in a vase.

Harvest: Pick the leaves as they develop, according to your needs. The first harvest usually takes place 4 months after sowing. Consume the leaves quickly after harvesting. Freezing is possible after blanching the leaves for 3 minutes in salted boiling water.