Lettuce Loose Leaf Black Seeded Simpson is a time-tested heirloom variety that combines reliable performance with exceptional culinary qualities. This fast-maturing cultivar reaches harvestable size in approximately 40 days, making it ideal for succession planting and quick-turnaround production. The large, crinkly light-green leaves develop a mildly sweet flavor profile and crisp texture that make this variety a staple in both fresh market and home garden settings. The loose-leaf growth habit permits selective harvesting of outer leaves while the plant continues producing — extending your harvest window and maximizing yield per plant.

Germination Rate: 85%. Test Date: 01/26. WILL.

Why Choose Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce?

• Fast 40-Day Harvest: One of the quickest-maturing lettuce varieties available — from seed to salad bowl in just 40 days.
• Cut-and-Come-Again: Harvest outer leaves continuously while the plant keeps producing — weeks of fresh lettuce from a single planting.
• Mildly Sweet & Crisp: Large, crinkly light-green leaves with a tender, refreshing texture ideal for salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
• Cool-Season Champion: Performs best in spring and fall; adaptable across most US growing zones.
• Succession Planting Friendly: Sow every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh lettuce throughout the season.
• Heirloom & Open-Pollinated: Passed down for at least 75 years — save seeds year after year for a self-sustaining garden.
• Non-GMO Seeds: DNA structure never altered from natural traditional breeding methods.

Planting Tips for Success

• When to Plant: Direct sow 4–6 weeks before last frost in spring, or 6–8 weeks before first frost in fall. Lettuce thrives in cool weather (45–75°F).
• Planting Depth: Barely cover seeds with ⅛ inch of soil — lettuce needs light to germinate. Press seeds lightly onto the surface.
• Spacing: Sow 4 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart. Thin to 8–10 inches for full-size heads; use thinnings as baby lettuce.
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade — afternoon shade extends bolt resistance in warmer weather.
• Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Work in compost for best leaf production.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist — shallow roots dry out quickly. Water at the base to avoid fungal issues.
• Fertilizing: Side-dress with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3 weeks after germination to promote lush leafy growth.
• Harvest: Begin harvesting outer leaves once plants have 6–8 leaves. Cut at the base and the plant will regrow. Harvest entire plant before bolting for maximum flavor.

Why Choose David’s Garden Seeds®?

• Veteran-Owned: Supplying premium seeds since 2009.
• GO TEXAN Certified: Supporting local agriculture and communities.
• Integrity Pledge: David’s Garden Seeds has taken the Safe Seed Integrity Pledge.
• Vegetable Seed License: David’s Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.

Cooking Methods

• Fresh Salads: The classic use — crisp, mildly sweet leaves pair beautifully with vinaigrettes, creamy dressings, and fresh vegetables.
• Wraps & Sandwiches: Large leaves make excellent wraps for grilled chicken, tuna salad, or BLTs.
• Garnish: Use whole leaves as a fresh, crisp garnish for tacos, burgers, and plated dishes.
• Braised (young leaves): Briefly wilt young leaves in butter and stock — a classic French preparation for tender baby lettuce.
• Smoothies: Mild flavor blends seamlessly into green smoothies without overpowering fruit ingredients.
• Juicing: High water content and mild flavor make Black Seeded Simpson ideal for fresh-pressed green juices.

Order Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce Seeds Today!

Add this fast-maturing, classic heirloom loose-leaf lettuce to your garden and enjoy crisp, sweet harvests from spring through fall.

Nutritional Information

(Applies to harvested lettuce leaves, not seeds. Per 1 cup (47g) shredded loose-leaf lettuce.)

• Calories: 5
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Vitamin K: 35% DV
• Vitamin A: 13% DV
• Folate: 7% DV
• Vitamin C: 5% DV
• Iron: 2% DV

Important Disclosures

• Variety Disclaimer: Black Seeded Simpson will bolt in sustained heat. Succession sowing every 2–3 weeks and providing afternoon shade in warm climates extends the harvest season. Results may vary by climate and growing conditions.
• Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored lettuce seeds maintain viability for 2–3 years.
• Planting Zones: Grows best in USDA Zones 3–10 as a cool-season crop. In Zones 9–10, grow as a fall through spring crop to avoid summer heat.

Thank you for choosing David’s Garden Seeds® — where quality, integrity, and your gardening success come first.