Black Seeded Simpson Heirloom Lettuce Seeds

Heirloom Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce Seeds

A Classic Heirloom Favorite for Fresh Garden Salads

Grow a time-tested garden favorite with Heirloom Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce Seeds. Known for its tender, curly light-green leaves and dependable performance, this loose-leaf lettuce has been a favorite among home gardeners since the 1800s. Fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and easy to harvest, Black Seeded Simpson produces delicious leafy greens perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and fresh garden meals.

History

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce dates back to the mid-19th century and became widely popular for its rapid growth, reliable yields, and excellent flavor. This heirloom loose-leaf variety is prized for its adaptability and ability to produce crisp, tender leaves even during warmer weather compared to many other lettuce varieties. Its name comes from the dark-colored seeds used for planting.

Plant Profile

• Days to Maturity: 40–50 days
• Fruit Size: Large loose leaves, 6–10 inches long
• Plant Size: 8–12 inches tall and 10–14 inches wide

Flavor Profile

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce offers a mild, sweet, and crisp flavor with tender leaves that remain delicate and refreshing. The texture is soft yet crunchy, making it ideal for fresh salads and everyday kitchen use.

Growth Type & Harvest Yields

• Growth Type: Loose-leaf heirloom lettuce
• Harvest Style: Cut-and-come-again harvesting
• Yield Potential: Continuous leaf production over several weeks with repeated harvesting

This variety regrows quickly after harvesting, allowing gardeners to enjoy multiple harvests from a single planting.

Disease Resistance

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is valued for its:

• Good heat tolerance for a lettuce variety
• Moderate resistance to bolting
• Reliable growth in cool spring and fall conditions
• Adaptability to raised beds, containers, and garden rows

Proper spacing and airflow help reduce common lettuce issues like mildew and rot.

Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions

• Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as soil can be worked
• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Keep soil consistently moist for tender leaves
• Ideal soil temperature: 45–75°F
• Thin plants to encourage airflow and healthy growth

Planting Dimensions

• Seed Depth: 1/8 inch
• Plant Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
• Row Spacing: 12–18 inches apart

Succession plant every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvests throughout the season.

When to Start Indoors

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce can be started indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost date for earlier harvests. Transplant carefully to avoid root disturbance.

For planting guidance by growing zone, visit: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Good Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce grows especially well with these garden companions:

• Carrots – Help loosen soil while maximizing garden space
• Radishes – Fast growers that mark lettuce rows and improve spacing
• Cucumbers – Provide partial shade during warmer weather
• Chives – May help deter aphids and pests
• Marigolds – Attract beneficial pollinators and help discourage harmful insects

How to Enjoy

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is excellent for:

• Fresh garden salads
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Taco toppings
• Burgers and fresh garnish plates
• Smoothies and healthy green blends

Harvest young leaves for baby greens or allow plants to mature for larger crunchy leaves.

Why Gardeners Love Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce

• Fast-growing and beginner-friendly
• Crisp, tender leaves with excellent flavor
• Heat tolerant compared to many lettuce varieties
• Perfect for containers, raised beds, and traditional gardens
• Continuous harvest potential
• Reliable heirloom performance year after year

Harvest Tips

• Begin harvesting outer leaves once plants reach usable size
• Harvest in the morning for the crispest texture
• Regular cutting encourages continued leaf production
• Avoid allowing plants to fully bolt in hot weather for best flavor

Order Today

Add a dependable heirloom classic to your garden with Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce Seeds. Easy to grow and quick to harvest, this productive lettuce variety delivers fresh, flavorful greens throughout the growing season.