Lactuca, Genus, sativa, Species, 'Black Seeded Simpson', Cultivar,
- Genus & species
- Cultivar
Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
Open-pollinated heirloom (pre-1850); the species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
WaterMedium
Overview
Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' is Black Seeded Simpson lettuce, a loose-leaf (non-heading) annual forming a low mounding rosette 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) wide. Light green broad ruffled tender leaves with white midribs. In the daisy family (Asteraceae). Open-pollinated heirloom — one of the oldest American lettuce cultivars (pre-1850). Seed can be saved. Loose-leaf type: no head formation — harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 4 inches (10 cm). One of the fastest lettuces: 45-50 days to full size, 25-30 days for baby leaf. Cold-tolerant: withstands light frost. Bolts in sustained heat above 75-80°F (24-27°C) — the primary limitation. Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. The variety name refers to the black seed coat, not the leaf color. Slugs are the primary pest. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Part sun to full sun. Annual. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Open-pollinated heirloom (pre-1850). The species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region.Suggested Uses
Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Loose-leaf lettuce — no head. One of the fastest lettuces. Open-pollinated heirloom. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Not deer-resistant. Annual.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Bloom Information
Bolts in sustained heat — small yellow composite flowers (daisy family). Bolting makes leaves bitter. Pull the plant when the bolting stalk appears.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Small yellow, daisy-family composite — only if allowed to bolt; undesirable for leaf productionFoliage Description
Light green with white midribs; broad ruffled leaves, thin and tenderGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full sun. Rich moist soil pH 6.0-7.0. Cool-season crop — bolts above 75-80 degrees F (24-27 degrees C). Succession-sow every 2-3 weeks. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Slugs are the primary pest. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Annual.Pruning
Harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 4 inches (10 cm). Leave the central growing point intact. Pull the plant when bolting stalk appears — leaves become bitter.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
Early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost; again in late summer for fall harvest
Days to Maturity
45–50 days
Plant Spacing
6 inches
