Orach (Mountain Spinach) in Zone 9a & 9b
Atriplex hortensis
When to plant orach (mountain spinach) in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Feb 1–Feb 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Mar 18–Mar 25 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. 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 9b 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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