Black Seeded Simpson Green Leaf Lettuce

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce features bright green, tender, curly leaves, and is a crunchy and delicious addition to sandwiches, burgers, and salads. This attractive, ruffled variety of green leaf lettuce is also a popular choice for food bars and commercial garnishes. The plant is exceptionally hardy and grows quickly, often reaching full maturity in as little as 40 days. The leaves are perfect for fresh salads, adding a light, crunchy texture that complements any dish. This variety is also incredibly easy to grow, making it a great option for beginner gardeners or anyone looking for a low-maintenance crop. Its compact growth habit makes it perfect for small spaces, container gardens, or even window boxes. With its early harvest time and adaptability, Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce offers a rewarding gardening experience and delicious, fresh greens for your meals. Known for its vibrant green color and delicate texture, this loose-leaf lettuce thrives in cool weather and can be harvested early, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall gardens.

Also Known As: Simpson Lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson, Simpson Green Lettuce, Summer Lettuce, Early Lettuce, Leaf Lettuce, Loose-Leaf Lettuce, Fast-growing Lettuce, Crisp Lettuce, Tender Leaf Lettuce.

Plant Name:	Lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson Leaf
Latin Name:	Lactuca sativa var. crispa
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	28-44
Plant Height:	10 Inches
Spread:	6- 12 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage.

Planting:

Planting lettuce in cooler weather helps prevent bolting, which can occur in hot temperatures (lettuce grows best in 45F-75F temperatures).

Starting Indoors: For an earlier harvest, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when the soil temperature is above 50F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the holes, burying roots in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant in spring when the soil warms to at least 50F. For fall crops, direct sow seeds outdoors 4-8 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 8 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole or broadcast and separate once seedlings emerge. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting. For a continuous harvest, plant successive crops every 2 to 3 weeks.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	8 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils. Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 3-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce can be harvested as early as 28 days for baby greens or 40 to 50 days for full-sized leaves. Pick outer leaves as needed, while leaving the center leaves to continue growing for a continuous harvest. For a full harvest, cut the plant at the base when it reaches 8 to 12 inches tall. Regularly picking leaves encourages new growth and prevents bolting, especially in warm weather. Harvest before bolting for best flavor.