What are the sun requirements for Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson'?

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' requires full sun to partial shade.

How much water does Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' need?

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' has moderate to high water needs.

Annuals

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson'

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce

UnknownMediterranean

At a Glance

Typeannual

Habitrosette-forming

Foliagedeciduous

Height6-10 inches

Width8-12 inches

Overview

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' is a classic heirloom leaf lettuce cultivar prized for its tender, light green foliage and exceptional heat tolerance. This variety produces loose, open rosettes of broad, deeply lobed leaves with a distinctive crumpled or savoyed texture and prominent white veining. The leaves emerge in a loose formation rather than forming a tight head, creating an attractive ruffled appearance that distinguishes it from head lettuce varieties. The plant typically reaches 6-10 inches in height with a spread of 8-12 inches, making it ideal for container gardens and intensive plantings. Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' is named for its characteristic small black seeds and is renowned among gardeners for its reliability in both cool and warm weather conditions. The leaves maintain their tender texture and mild, sweet flavor longer than many other lettuce varieties before turning bitter, though the plant will eventually bolt when temperatures consistently exceed 80°F.

Native Range

Lactuca sativa originated in the Mediterranean basin and western Asia, where its wild ancestors still grow naturally in rocky soils and disturbed habitats. The cultivated forms, including 'Black Seeded Simpson', have been developed through centuries of selective breeding from these wild lettuce species.

Suggested Uses

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' is excellent for vegetable gardens, raised beds, and container growing. Perfect for succession planting every 2-3 weeks to ensure continuous harvests throughout the growing season. Ideal for fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, and garnishes. The tender leaves make it particularly suitable for baby leaf production and microgreen cultivation. Works well in intensive plantings and interplanting with other cool-season vegetables.

How to Identify

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' can be identified by its distinctive loose, rosette growth habit with light green, deeply lobed leaves that have a characteristic crumpled or savoyed texture. The leaves are broader than most other leaf lettuce varieties and display prominent white veining throughout. Unlike head lettuces that form compact centers, this variety maintains an open, ruffled appearance with individual leaves radiating from the base. When mature, the plant produces small, distinctive black seeds that give this cultivar its name and help distinguish it from other lettuce varieties.

Appearance

Bloom Information

summer when bolting occurs in hot weather

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pale yellow

Foliage Description

light green with prominent white veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

full sun to partial shade

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high

Time to Maturity

45-50 days

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' requires consistent moisture and well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter or compost. Water regularly to maintain evenly moist soil conditions, as lettuce has shallow roots and is sensitive to both drought stress and waterlogged conditions. Apply a balanced fertilizer with moderate nitrogen levels at planting time, avoiding excessive nitrogen which can promote rapid growth at the expense of flavor and disease resistance. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool. During hot weather, provide afternoon shade or use row covers to prevent premature bolting and maintain leaf quality.

Pruning

Harvest Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' using the cut-and-come-again method by removing outer leaves when they reach 3-4 inches in length, cutting cleanly with scissors or a knife about 1 inch above the soil line. This allows the center of the plant to continue producing new growth for extended harvests. Remove any damaged, yellowing, or pest-damaged leaves promptly to maintain plant health and appearance. When flower stalks begin to emerge, pinch them off immediately to prolong leaf production, though the plant will eventually bolt and become bitter in sustained hot weather.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Lactuca sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson' is completely non-toxic and safe for human consumption. All parts of the plant are edible, with the leaves being the primary harvested portion. Safe around children and pets, though the leaves are the only part typically consumed.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

4 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

early spring and fall

Days to Maturity

45–50 days

Plant Spacing

6 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

carrots

radishes

chives

garlic

onions

Avoid Planting With

fennel

broccoli