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Black Seeded - Simpson

Lactuca sativa

$3.99

4 g Approximately

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a popular heirloom lettuce variety known for its early maturity, heat tolerance, and productive growth. This large, loose-leaf lettuce has light green, crisp, tender leaves with a mild flavor, making it perfect for salads. It’s an ideal choice for home gardeners due to its resilience and ability to grow in various climates.

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104 in stock

  • Days to Germination: 7-10 days
  • Days to Maturity: 45-60 days
  • Planting Time: Early spring through fall
  • Sunlight Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
  • Soil Requirements: Well-drained, rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0-6.8
  • Spacing: 8 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches
  • Height: 10-20 inches
  • Frost Hardy: Yes, suitable for USDA Zones 2a-11b

Direct Sowing:

  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in early spring or as soon as the soil can be worked.
  • Space seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart. For baby greens, sow more densely.

Succession Planting:

  • For continuous harvests, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks until temperatures become too hot. In cooler regions, continue planting throughout fall.

Indoor Starting:

  • For an early spring crop, start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are hardened off.

Growing Tips

  • Watering: Water lettuce regularly to keep soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Use drip irrigation or a gentle watering method to prevent soil compaction.
  • Mulching: Applying mulch around plants helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
  • Fertilization: Mix compost or a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting, and supplement with liquid fertilizer every few weeks.

Harvesting

  • Timing: Harvest young leaves as baby greens or allow the plant to mature fully. Black Seeded Simpson is best harvested before bolting to avoid bitterness.
  • Method: For leaf lettuce, pick outer leaves as needed or cut the entire plant at the base. For baby greens, harvest about 1 inch above the soil.

Nutritional Benefits and Culinary Uses

  • Nutrients: High in vitamins A and B, along with minerals like iron and calcium.
  • Culinary: Use fresh in salads, wraps, or as garnish. Its sweet, non-bitter flavor makes it ideal for raw preparations.

Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce is an excellent, easy-to-grow variety for gardeners of all experience levels. Its fast growth and heat tolerance provide a reliable, flavorful crop that is ideal for spring and fall gardens.