Loose-leaf Lettuce
Where to buy seeds
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Black Seeded Simpson stands as one of the fastest and most reliable lettuce varieties for home gardeners, transforming from seed to harvest-ready leaves in just 45 days. This vigorous heirloom produces vibrant green, non-heading leaves with a mildly sweet flavor and delicate texture, forming neat 10-inch mounds that thrive across zones 2-10. Known for its adaptability and easy-going nature, this leaf lettuce has earned its reputation as both beginner-friendly and dependably productive for experienced growers.
Full Sun
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2-10
10in H x 10in W
Annual, Biennial
Moderate
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This remarkable lettuce variety delivers exceptional speed and versatility, ready to harvest in as little as 45 days while offering cut-and-come-again harvesting that provides continuous yields from a single plant. Its mildly sweet, non-bitter leaves maintain their delicate texture even under less-than-perfect growing conditions, making it forgiving for new gardeners. The compact 10-inch growth habit makes it perfect for container growing, while its tolerance for both cool weather and full sun gives gardeners flexibility in timing and placement.
This versatile lettuce excels in fresh salads where its mildly sweet flavor and tender texture shine, while also serving beautifully in sandwiches, wraps, and as an attractive garnish. Its delicate leaves blend wonderfully into smoothies for added nutrition without overpowering other flavors, and the non-bitter character makes it appealing even to those who typically avoid greens.
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Lettuce germinates best below 70°F, so maintain cooler temperatures for optimal germination rates.
Transplant outdoors about 4 weeks before the last frost date, as this hardy crop tolerates cool soil and light frosts well.
Direct sow beginning about 4 weeks before last frost and continue successive plantings until about 2 weeks before first fall frost. In warmer areas, plant in fall for late harvest to avoid summer heat stress.
Harvest leaves when they reach full size, typically 45 days after planting, though some sources report readiness anywhere from 32 to 69 days depending on growing conditions. This cut-and-come-again variety allows for continuous harvesting of outer leaves while the center continues producing new growth. For spring and summer sowings, harvest promptly to prevent bolting in warm weather.
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“Black Seeded Simpson carries the distinction of being a treasured heirloom variety, passed down through generations of gardeners who valued its reliable performance and exceptional flavor. This leaf lettuce represents the kind of tried-and-true genetics that built the foundation of American home gardening, surviving because it consistently delivers what gardeners need most: fast growth, great taste, and dependable harvests.”