{"product_id":"purple-orach","title":"Seeds - Strawberry spinach \/ Purple Orach","description":"\u003cp\u003ePurple Orach, also called \"mountain spinach,\" is a remarkable annual with large, tender, deep purple leaves. Cultivated for both its ornamental appeal and culinary uses, it has a mild flavor and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like spinach. Highly heat-tolerant, it thrives during the summer months when other leafy greens decline, making it a reliable and attractive crop for the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can you grow purple orach?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePurple orach grows well in zones 3 to 9. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is ideal for vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, or ornamental borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and historical uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOrach is an ancient vegetable, cultivated in Europe long before spinach. Historically valued for its hardiness and ability to grow in dry or saline soils, it was once a staple food before spinach became popular. Its purple leaves provided both nutritional value and visual interest in medieval and modern cuisine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian zone information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZones 8–9: Direct sow in early spring or fall; continuous harvest of young leaves.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5–7: Direct sow after the last frost; good tolerance to summer heat.\u003cbr\u003eZones 3–4: Start indoors or direct sow after all risk of frost has passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1727\" data-start=\"1462\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to grow and harvest purple orach\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1 cm (½ in) deep, spacing plants 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) apart.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly for establishment; once mature, the plant tolerates drought well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick young leaves as needed; allow some plants to go to seed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-growing; readily self-seeds if allowed to produce seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed saving tips for future supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant maturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow some plants to go to seed and form heads.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed harvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest when seeds are dry and beige in color.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and cleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove debris and ensure seeds are thoroughly dry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in a cool, dry place; viability of 3 to 5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644642222448,"sku":"MF-GREENS-019","price":16.0,"currency_code":"QAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Purple_Orach_2.jpg?v=1776549106","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-qa\/products\/purple-orach","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}