OLD post but I thought I'd chime in after reading a few of the above posts. I think it's very ignorant to assume that California doesn't receive frosts and freezes. California is home to the most diverse climates maybe in the world. The central valley of Cali(where most of the agriculture is) just so happens to be the perfect climate for cool weather crops to grow. it's cool enough for them to thrive, while not so cold that they can't be grown. There's a reason why 95% of the broccoli grown in the U.S. is grown in California. Back to the diversity -- There's a reason why so many fruits and veggies come from California. Believe me, it's not the price of the water...LOL it's the fact that "somewhere" in the state, from apples to oranges, from garlic to tomatoes -- there's a place that a particular veggy or fruit will thrive because of the CLIMATE. Rant over. ;) Kevin This post was edited by woohooman on Sat, Oct 5, 13 at 15:43

Thanks carol23! I spent over an hour last night googling trying to figure it out :-o and it took you 2 seconds!!! I looked up sedum and am so happy right now because I think te plant is beautiful as is, but was super excited to discover that it also flowers...yippee!

Definitely a weed, IMO. I brought home one plant and it is coming up everywhere. Not easy to pull out. I'll have to get the shovel in gear. They have a spiky purple flower in the spring that lasts a week or two.

Flora, I've only planted chard once and that was direct sowed, so I haven't yet avoided bolting :) I'm going to take your advice and direct sow a row so when my transplants take off I'll still have some. Actually, I'm thinking of a mid-summer planting for fall because it gets so hot and humid here in August and July (and even June in recent years) so some things like broccoli and cabbage will be happier going into the fall. What's a hoe? lol My seeds went into a perfectly cleared patch, but the first time I plant anything I have trouble telling it from the weeds, which seem to germinate faster than anything but maybe cucumbers.