Oh, that's Orach. It comes in purple shades, magenta shades, yellow/chartreuse shades, as well as plain green.

You can winter-sow the seeds, they'll come up very early the next spring. I don't know if the plant will overwinter in northern areas, I'm sure it could be fall-sown to overwinter in milder climates like California.

It is similar to spinach in just about every way, except it gets to be about 5 to 6 feet tall, and the harvest lasts longer. It tastes like spinach. I use it both raw in salads and cooked. I also plant a lot of it for my flower gardens as an ornamental because it's so pretty, but I have had problems with animals eating it (woodchucks, deer, and rabbits).

I love orach, wouldn't want to go without it. It's more reliable than regular spinach.

Oh denninmi Thank You for answering!

I've been trying to find some vegetables which will be eaten by my extremely picky husband and I know he likes spinach but the two types I'm growing right now as spinach substitutes aren't as good as spinach.

Do you know if this is a cool weather plant or will it do well in the summer heat?

Well, I think it will do OK in the heat. It tolerates my climate, but obviously, Michigan is MUCH cooler than Texas. It naturally grows up and goes to seed (self-sows well, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned), but continues to make useful leaves as it goes -- they get smaller but you can still use them. You can also pick the very tender young blossom shoots and use those too.

I planted some early this year (I live in california) and they sprouted quickly and produce a ton of leaves. They are petty tasty too. It wasnt a huge hit with my family but they are not big on veggies. I will probably grow less next year. Its summer now (which came late this year) and they are still producing leaves. They are not five feet tall but I have about five. one foot tall plants in a pot with some. other lettuces. The only problem I have. with them is the caterpillars! They ate. about half of the total crop the first time. But the plants are still producing! I don't. think they will last all summer, realistically. It is great in quiche!