Henderson's Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is a loose-leaf variety that has earned its place in gardens and farmers markets for nearly 150 years. First introduced in 1879 by Peter Henderson & Co. of New York, this heirloom lettuce produces light green, crumpled leaves that are remarkably tender and sweet. Ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days, it thrives in cool weather and tolerates light frosts, making it reliable for spring and fall crops. The variety needs just 4 to 8 hours of sun daily and prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0, growing steadily from seed to table in most climates.
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Since 1879, gardeners have returned to Henderson's Black Seeded Simpson for one simple reason: the flavor is exceptional among loose-leaf varieties. The crumpled, light green foliage is tender enough to pick individual leaves while the plant is still growing, and the sweet, delicate taste makes it as much a pleasure to eat as to grow. Its frost hardiness and ability to thrive in partial sun (just 4 to 8 hours daily) give it surprising flexibility compared to other lettuces, while the relatively short 45 to 60 day harvest window means you can cycle through multiple plantings in a season.
This lettuce is at its best in fresh salads, where its tender leaves and sweet flavor shine without heavy dressings. The crumpled leaf structure holds vinaigrettes and light dressings beautifully, and the delicate texture makes it equally suited to mixed green salads or served simply with oil and vinegar. Many gardeners appreciate the ability to harvest individual outer leaves while allowing the center to continue growing, extending the harvest window and providing fresh greens throughout the season.
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Start seeds indoors in a seedling tray 4 to 6 weeks before your last spring frost. Maintain soil temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit; seeds will sprout within 7 to 10 days. Keep seedlings in bright light and thin or transplant into individual cells as they develop their first true leaves.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden 2 to 3 weeks before your last frost date. Space them 8 to 12 inches apart in moist, well-draining soil with pH 6.0 to 7.0. Water gently at transplanting and keep soil consistently moist during establishment.
Direct sow seeds in early spring or mid-to-late summer for a fall crop. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil bed moist until germination occurs in 7 to 10 days at 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Thin seedlings to 8 to 12 inches apart once they develop their first true leaves.
Begin harvesting 45 to 60 days after planting by picking individual outer leaves as they reach full size, working from the outside of the plant toward the center. This method allows the heart to continue growing and producing new leaves throughout the season. Alternatively, cut the entire plant 1 to 2 inches above the soil line for a single, complete harvest. Pick leaves in the morning when they are crisp and full of moisture; the tender leaves are most flavorful before the plant begins to bolt.
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“Henderson's Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce carries the mark of one of America's most influential seed companies. Peter Henderson & Co., founded in New York, introduced this variety in 1879 during a golden era of vegetable breeding when seed companies competed to develop superior cultivars for both home gardeners and market growers. The name itself reveals its botanical pedigree: the black seeds distinguish it from other Simpson strains, and the variety's longevity speaks to its reliability and genuine superiority. It has remained a favorite across generations, preserved and replanted by countless gardeners who recognized its exceptional sweetness and tenderness as worth keeping alive.”