Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is an open-pollinated, heirloom that has been a favorite of market gardeners and backyard gardeners for over 100 years. This leaf lettuce variety produces broad leaves that are ruffled and crinkled on the edges. Heads produce rich, green heads that are extremely tender and flavorful. Black Seeded Simpson grows well in a wide variety of climates and is slow to bolt during warming temperatures in late spring. It also has been noted to be cold-tolerant down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a heavy-yielding variety with wide, dense heads. It is a great variety for making fresh garden salads, or using it to add a delicious crunch to your favorite sandwich or wrap.

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce performs best when transplanted. Transplanting allows for more consistent plant spacing and prevents seedlings from competing with weeds in the early stages of the plant. We recommend starting transplants 3-4 weeks before the desired outdoor planting date. Thin plants to one seed per cell to ensure adequate growing space. Black Seeded Simpson transplants grow great in our heavy-duty seed starting trays, where they develop a solid root ball with roots that are trained to grow downward. Lettuce transplants will need adequate fertilization once seedlings form the first set of true leaves. We recommend injecting 20-20-2o through the seedling watering system at least once a week to ensure plants are sufficiently fed. This can be done easily with our Brass Siphon Mixer and a five gallon bucket. Plants are ready to go in the ground when they can be easily pulled from the cells in the seed starting tray.

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce Planting Information

Planting Method: transplant

When to Plant: early spring and fall

Planting Depth: 1/4″

Seed Spacing: 8-12″

Row Spacing: 18-24″

Days to Maturity: 50

Disease Resistance: None