What are the sun requirements for Lactuca sativa 'Simpson Elite'?

Lactuca sativa 'Simpson Elite' requires Part Sun.

How much water does Lactuca sativa 'Simpson Elite' need?

Lactuca sativa 'Simpson Elite' has Medium water needs.

Lactuca sativa 'Simpson Elite'

Simpson Elite Lettuce

Open-pollinated cultivar — an improved selection of Black Seeded Simpson with increased bolt resistance; the species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region

At a Glance

TypeAnnual

HabitMounding

FoliageDeciduous

Height10-14 inches (25-35 cm)

Width10-12 inches (25-30 cm)

Maturity1 years

Key Features

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Lactuca sativa 'Simpson Elite' is Simpson Elite lettuce (green leaf lettuce), a loose-leaf (non-heading) annual forming a mounding rosette 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) tall and 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) wide. Light green broad wavy-edged crinkled (savoyed) leaves. In the daisy family (Asteraceae). Open-pollinated — an improved selection of Black Seeded Simpson (L. sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson') with increased bolt resistance and larger overall plant size. Seed can be saved. Loose-leaf type: no head formation — harvest outer leaves by cut-and-come-again starting at 4 inches (10 cm). More bolt-resistant than the original Black Seeded Simpson — holds 7-10 days longer before bolting in warm conditions. Bolts in sustained heat above 80-85°F (27-29°C). The light green color may yellow in intense heat — a visual limitation in mid-summer. 45-55 days to full size, 25-30 days for baby leaf. Succession-sow every 2 weeks. Slugs and aphids are the primary pests. Not deer-resistant. Non-toxic (edible crop). Part sun to full sun. Annual. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Open-pollinated cultivar — improved selection of L. sativa 'Black Seeded Simpson'. The species L. sativa is native to the Mediterranean region.

Suggested Uses

Grown in vegetable gardens, raised beds, and containers of at least 2 gallons (8 L). Green loose-leaf lettuce — improved Black Seeded Simpson. More bolt-resistant. Open-pollinated. Succession-sow. Non-toxic. Annual.

How to Identify

Identified by a mounding rosette of light green broad wavy-edged crinkled (savoyed) leaves — non-heading (loose-leaf type). Distinguished from Black Seeded Simpson by the larger plant size and the increased bolt resistance. In Asteraceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10" - 1'2"

Width/Spread10" - 1'

Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bolts in sustained heat — yellow composite flowers (daisy family). Bolting makes leaves bitter. More bolt-resistant than the original Black Seeded Simpson.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow, daisy-family composite — only if allowed to bolt; undesirable

Foliage Description

Light green with crinkled (savoyed) texture; broad wavy-edged leaves

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun Partial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

45-55 days from seed to full-size leaf; 25-30 days for baby leaf

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part sun to full sun. Rich moist soil pH 6.0-7.0. Cool-season crop — bolts above 80-85 degrees F (27-29 degrees C). More bolt-resistant than Black Seeded Simpson. Succession-sow every 2 weeks. Open-pollinated — save seeds. Slugs and aphids. 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. Succession-sow.