Zorina Orache
Morphological characteristics:
An early red orach variety with fleshy, velvety leaves of a purple-violet colour. It can be harvested 60 days after emergence, once the plants have 3-5 true leaves. Where the plants are left to form stems, the leaves are picked progressively, every 2-4 days.
Technological requirements:
Sow at a depth of 1.5-2 cm: in March for an early crop, and from late August to early September for a succession crop. The seeds germinate from 20 °C and emerge 7-10 days after sowing, depending on air temperature and soil moisture. Harvesting takes place in May for the early crop and between 10 and 20 October for the succession crop. It can be grown anywhere in the country, under protected structures or in the open field.
Yield and quality characteristics
Yields can reach 40 t/ha when the leaves are picked progressively from the stems. Young plants can be eaten fresh or preserved by boiling and/or freezing.