Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce

65 days. An early maturing leaf lettuce that produces leaves that are crisp, tender, and full of flavor. This is one of the most popular leaf lettuce varieties available. A perfect addition to salads and used for garnishes. One of the best varieties for home gardens. Slow to bolt. Cold, heat and drought tolerant. Plant produces baby lettuce in about 28 days.

Disease Resistant: DM, LD, TB

Open Pollinated. Non-GMO. Non-Treated. Heirloom.

*Approximately 1000 Seeds

Harvest: 65 Days

Germination: 7-10 Days

Light Requirements: Full sun

Planting Depth: 1/8”

Soil Requirements: Loose, fertile, sandy

Plant Height: 6-8”

Plant Spacing: 12-18”

Row Spacing: 18-30”

Growing Instructions

Lettuce requires fertile, sandy loam soil that is well-drained with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Plants require adequate nitrogen to grow properly. Before planting, prepare the soil by incorporating 2 to 3 inches of compost or aged manure 8 to 10 inches deep. Plants grow best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 72°F. Lettuce grows well in containers and raised beds.

Lettuce needs at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Be prepared to provide afternoon shade in hot summer climates. The plants thrive in cool spring and fall temperatures while the days are shorter. As the days become longer, lettuce will bolt (begin to produce seeds). There are some varieties that can tolerate summer heat and longer days. Lettuce is semi-hardy. This means that it can usually tolerate light frost, but it cannot survive heavy frost. Cover the plants to avoid damage from extremely cold temperatures.

When planting lettuce seeds directly into the garden, use a garden rake or hoe to loosen the garden soil and then smooth it out. Do not plant seeds deep because they need light to germinate.  Cover them with 1/8 to 1/4 inches of soil. Keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate. Thin seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart.

When starting lettuce seeds indoors, sow them into seed starting trays using seed starting mix. Make sure that the trays are sterilized before using them to avoid transmitting diseases to the plants. Cover the seeds with 1/8 to 1/4 inches of soil and keep the soil evenly moist until the seeds germinate.

Transplant the plants into the garden when they have grown 3 inches tall. The plants must be hardened off before transplanting outdoors. Transplant in late afternoon or on a cloudy day. If you are transplanting during warm weather, shade the plants for a few days. This will give the plants time to acclimate, which will help reduce transplant shock.

Water at the base of the plants in the morning to avoid burning the leaves and the possibility of disease. Water often the first two weeks, ensuring the soil is moist, but not wet. Wet soil will cause the plants to rot. Once plants are established, water every 3 to 5 days when needed. When possible, drip systems or soaker hoses are the preferred way to water. Apply 2 inches of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvest leaves in the morning so that they will be crisp. As leaf lettuce plants mature, the outer leaves can be harvested as needed. The entire plant can be harvested by cutting it off at the base. Lettuce is best stored in the refrigerator crisper drawer in a plastic bag. It will store for up to a week.