Culture
Spring seed thickly directly in rows 1-1/2 ' to 2-1/2 ' apart as early as ground can be worked, with successive plantings every 20 to 30 days to insure a tender crop. Thin to 6 to 10" apart. Water and fertilize to insure quick and tender growth. Start harvesting leaves when plants are about 1" high. While mountain spinach can withstand adverse conditions and heat, they will tend to bolt (produce a seed head) and be less palatable. Can be kept low by clipping.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Atriplex hortensis, commonly called mountain spinach, closely resembles lambs quarters. It is a mild and tender salad green if grown quickly and harvested when 6" tall and under. On larger plants pick only small tender leaves. Red, green, and white cultivars are available. The cultivar 'Red Orach' does not lose color when cooked. Mature seed pods are used as a dried floral decoration.
Genus name comes from the Greek named for orach, a species of this genus of herbs and shrubs which can be used like spinach.
Specific epithet means of or pertaining to gardens.
Uses
Raw in salads or as a cooked green.