How to Grow Black Seeded Simpson
Lactuca sativa
Black Seeded Simpson is a beloved heirloom lettuce prized for its crisp leaves and rapid growth in cool weather. Gardeners favor this variety for reliable yields and good resistance to tipburn, making it an excellent choice for spring and fall gardens across many zones.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Black Seeded Simpson: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Black Seeded Simpson is not usually started indoors.
This variety is best direct-sown in the garden rather than started indoors and transplanted, as lettuce roots are delicate and prefer being undisturbed.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare loose, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Sow seeds directly outdoors 2 to 6 weeks before the last frost date since this is a cool-season crop that tolerates light cold. Press seeds lightly into the soil at a depth of about half an inch. Expect germination within 7 to 10 days, keeping the soil consistently moist during this period.
Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart to ensure good air circulation and healthy head formation. While lettuce does not require trellising, provide consistent moisture by watering about one inch per week. Apply a light layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Feed lightly if growth seems sluggish, though this variety generally thrives with standard care.
Watch for aphids, flea beetles, slugs, and cutworms; use row covers or hand-pick pests early to prevent damage. Prevent downy mildew and tipburn by ensuring good airflow and avoiding overhead watering when possible. Harvest outer leaves as needed or wait 40 to 50 days after sowing for a full head. Cut the whole plant at soil level if you want the entire harvest.
When to Plant Black Seeded Simpson
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | — | June – July | July – September |
| Zone 2 | — | May – July | July – September |
| Zone 3 | — | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 6 | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | — | February – March | March – December |
| Zone 10 | — | January – March | March – December |
| Zone 11 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 12 | — | January – February | February – December |
| Zone 13 | — | January – February | February – December |
Companion Plants for Black Seeded Simpson
✓ Good companions
Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and carrots loosen soil
Repels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while taking minimal space
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on lettuce pests
Deters slugs, aphids, and other soft-bodied pests that damage lettuce leaves
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that commonly attack lettuce
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce
Attracts beneficial insects and has similar water and nutrient requirements
Quick-growing radishes break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
Similar growing conditions and harvest times, efficient use of garden space
✗ Keep away from
Both are heavy nitrogen feeders that compete for the same nutrients
Create too much shade and compete heavily for nutrients and water
Release juglone which is toxic to lettuce and inhibits growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
