Orach (Mountain Spinach) in Zone 10a & 10b
Atriplex hortensis
When to plant orach (mountain spinach) in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Orach (Mountain Spinach) doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jan 16–Jan 23 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 2–Mar 9 (~45 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3-5 ft.
Orach, also called mountain spinach, is a heat-tolerant spinach substitute that keeps producing through summer weather that would send true spinach straight into bolting.
How orach (mountain spinach) fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Orach (Mountain Spinach) needs about 45 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Orach (Mountain Spinach).
Where to buy orach seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing orach (mountain spinach)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Orach (Mountain Spinach) in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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