Orach (Mountain Spinach) in Zone 6a & 6b
Atriplex hortensis
When to plant orach (mountain spinach) in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b 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 | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
| Estimated harvest | May 26–Jun 2 (~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 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a genuine consensus of positive, independent reviews. See the sources cited on each item.
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 6b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
%20in%20USDA%20zone%206b%3A%20when%20to%20start%20seeds%20indoors%2C%20when%20to%20direct-sow%2C%20and%20when%20to%20expect%20a%20harvest.)
Pin this for later
Growing Orach (Mountain Spinach) in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest