[PaulaE]

I've recently taken over an allotment and whilst clearing it, have come across this attractive plant.
Is it something that I should keep?
TIA.

[Pescador]

Looks like a chard.

[upert]

Perpetual spinach would be my guess. Which is a type of chard. I have used the leaves in curries, add them at the last minute.

I reckon it will bolt, that is run to seed, if it was a plant from last year. You can still crop the leaves though. I feed lots of it to my chickens.

[dayxday]

I second the second reply

[PaulaE]

Thank you for the replies, all of you.
I will give it a try 

[AnneB]

Yes, agree it is definitely leaf beet, otherwise known as perpetual spinach.    I can often get 2 seasons out of mine before it bolts, but this heat might test it!  You can use it wherever you would use ordinary spinach.  I always grow it instead of standard spinach, it is much less temperamental and easier to grow.

[upert]

I leave mine in over winter and it fills the 'hungry gap' for the chickens. Even if it bolts I can still get a few months out of it before the whole plant comes out and goes in the run. I grow loads of it yet don't eat any myself these days. One aunt liked it so she gets some.

I sowed some more trays to go in yet the pigeons found and grazed the modules. I'll still plant it though, bet it will grow back.

Chard 'Bright Lights' makes for attractive displays as they come in various colours. They would look good even in a garden border.

[PaulaE]

Well I guess it must be pretty hardy as the plot has been neglected for at least the last 12 months, and it has survived. I plan to try eating some and if I like it, will plant some more.