Orach (Mountain Spinach) in Zone 8a & 8b
Atriplex hortensis
When to plant orach (mountain spinach) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Mar 11–Mar 18 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 25–May 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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b 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 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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