How to Grow Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
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Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
Lactuca sativa var. crispa
vegetableBlack Seeded Simpson is a classic loose-leaf lettuce variety prized for its tender, frilly leaves and mild flavor. It forms no head, instead producing a loose rosette of deeply lobed, crinkled leaves that range from light to medium green. This cold-hardy variety is prolific, fast-growing, and excellent for successive plantings throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce in your zone?
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Example Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; thrives in cool seasons and tolerates light frosts
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Get my Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
5-10 daysSeeds sprout and develop cotyledons (seed leaves); seedlings are delicate and small
Keep soil moist and cool (60-70°F); provide light once sprouts emerge; thin seedlings to prevent damping off
Seedling & Early Growth
10-14 daysTrue leaves emerge and seedling develops 2-4 leaves; plant is still small and tender
Continue consistent moisture; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal disease; provide bright light; no fertilizer needed yet if soil is rich
Vegetative & Leaf Development
20-30 daysPlant rapidly produces more deeply lobed, frilly leaves; forms loose rosette; leaves become tender and harvestable
Water regularly; side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks; thin crowded plants; watch for bolting signs in heat
Harvest-Ready Maturity
Variable; can produce for 4-6 weeks with proper care and cool weatherRosette reaches full size with abundant crinkled leaves; plant is lush and tender; may begin to bolt in heat
Begin harvesting outer leaves; maintain moisture and cool conditions; harvest before flowering to ensure best flavor and texture
Bolting & Senescence
1-2 weeks before unsuitable for harvestPlant sends up flower stem; leaves become bitter and tough; plant diverts energy to seed production
Harvest remaining leaves immediately if not yet done; compost plant; plant new crop in cooler season if desired
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; neem oil as last resort
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and
Remove by hand (especially at night); use beer traps; copper tape around beds; diatomaceous earth; encourage ground beetles
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Control aphid vectors; remove affected plants; plant resistant varieties; control weeds that harbor virus
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected leaves; choose resistant varieties; sulfur-based fungicides
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Remove heavily affected leaves; use row covers; neem oil; encourage parasitic wasps
Uses
Salads & Fresh Greens
CulinaryBlack Seeded Simpson's tender, frilly leaves are excellent raw in mixed green salads, providing mild flavor and delicate texture. The leaves can be harvested continuously for fresh eating throughout the season. [source]
Cooking & Sautéing
CulinaryThe leaves can be lightly cooked in soups, stews, or stir-fries, maintaining their tender texture better than some other varieties. Wilts quickly, making it useful in quick-cooked dishes. [source]
Sandwich & Wrap Ingredient
CulinaryThe pliable, ruffled leaves make excellent wraps and sandwich layers, adding crisp texture and mild flavor to composed dishes. [source]
Microgreens Production
HouseholdBlack Seeded Simpson seeds are commonly used to grow nutrient-dense microgreens indoors, ready to harvest in 10-14 days for use on salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. [source]
Nutritional & Wellness Support
MedicinalLike all lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson is low in calories and contains vitamins A, K, and folate, plus fiber and various phytonutrients supporting digestive and bone health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting outer leaves once plant is 6-8 inches tall (about 30-35 days); pick outer leaves regularly to encourage continued production; harvest in early morning when leaves are crisp and hydrated; cut or pinch leaves at base; can harvest entire plant at once by cutting 1 inch above soil, allowing regrowth; most tender in cool, moist conditions; harvest before bolting (flower stalk emergence) for best flavor
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Black Seeded Simpson has been grown since at least the 1800s and remains a beloved heirloom variety; the name refers to the dark color of its seeds rather than the plant itself
- 🌱 This variety is an 'open-pollinated' or heirloom lettuce, meaning you can save seeds from mature plants to grow next season's crop
- 🌱 Black Seeded Simpson is notably bolting-resistant compared to some other loose-leaf varieties, making it excellent for spring and fall crops in most climates
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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