Description

A garden favorite since 1850, 'Black Seeded Simpson' lettuce is cherished for its quality, texture, and flavor. This fast-growing variety features crinkled, light green leaves with frilly edges that can be harvested as baby greens in just 3 weeks or as full-sized leaves in just over a month. Known for its ability to withstand hot, dry conditions and light frosts, this lettuce is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a hardy, reliable crop. The crisp, almost white leaves at the plant's center, when allowed to reach full maturity, add a delightful touch to any dish.

Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Days to Maturity: 21 – 40 days
Family: Asteraceae
Native: Unknown; lettuce has been in cultivation for a long time.
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual
Plant Dimensions: 8″ tall, 10″ wide
Variety Information: Crinkled, light green leaves with frilly edges. Crisp leaves at center of plant blanch almost white when the plant is allowed to grow to full maturity.

When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 60°–70°F. Successive Sowings: Every 3 weeks until 4 to 6 weeks before your average first fall frost date. Mild Climates: Sow in fall and winter for cool season harvests.
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, and in summer when soil temperatures are too warm (above 80°F) to germinate lettuce seed.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: Surface to 1/8″
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 10″
Row Spacing: 12″
Thinning: When ½” tall, thin to 1 every 10″

Harvesting: Harvest in the morning, by cutting off at ground level. If regrowth is desired, cut the leaves higher, at 2″. For a continual supply, outer, individual leaves can be harvested at any stage of maturity, but leave at least half of the plant for regrowth.

This packet sows up to 184 feet. 660 seeds.