black seeded simpson lettuce planting Lettuce

Black Seed Simpson Lettuce is a highly adaptable lettuce for continued plantings throughout the season. It quickly produces a full-sized, bright green open head with slightly crinkled leaves. A very popular baby leaf variety for a bright green contrasting leaf in salad mixes.  It is a reliable leaf lettuce type that is heat resistant, slow to bolt and has very dependable production.  The leaves are light green, tender, large, lightly crispy and slightly ruffled.  Harvest leaves when plant is able to sustain harvesting.   Baby green leaves are available within 28 days while full sized leaves will take up to 45 days.

Growing Instructions:

Direct sow lettuce seeds in early spring or late summer, depending on your climate. Choose a location that receives partial shade in hotter climates and full sun in cooler climates. Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep, spaced 2.5-5cm (1-2”) apart in rows spaced 30-45cm (12-18”) apart. To promote germination, keep the soil consistently moist and cool. The seeds should sprout in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 15-25cm (6-10”) apart when they are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall.

Lettuce prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Harvest lettuce leaves when they are young and tender. Cut the entire plant or pick individual leaves as needed. Lettuce is a cool-season crop and can bolt (go to seed) in hot weather. Providing shade or planting in a cooler location can help extend the growing season. Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil pH: 6.0-7.0 Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep. Germination: 7-14 days. Height at Maturity: 15-25cm (6-10”) tall. Days to Maturity: 40-60 days. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist and cool. Lettuce prefers consistent watering throughout the season. Sun/Shade: Partial shade in hot climates, full sun in cooler climates. Spacing after Thinning: Thin seedlings to 15-25cm (6-10”) apart.