Grown Black Seeded Simpson?

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Black Seeded Simpson — Lettuce

40-50days to harvest

7-10days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, 2-3 weeks before last frost. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 1 inch per week, consistent moisture
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with organic matter
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 6-8 inches
Height: 6-12 inches
Season: Warm season annual

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Light green with yellowish tinge
Size: 6-10 inch diameter rosette
Shape: Loose-leaf with deeply frilled, curled leaves
Flavour: Mild, sweet, and tender with no bitterness

In the kitchen

Salads, sandwiches, wraps, garnish. Excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, flea beetles, slugs, cutworms
Diseases: Downy mildew, lettuce drop, tipburn, bolting in hot weather
Resistance: Good tolerance to heat stress and some resistance to tipburn

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	July – September
2	—	—	May – July	July – September
3	—	—	May – June	June – October
4	—	—	April – June	June – October
5	—	—	April – May	May – November
6	—	—	April – May	May – November
7	—	—	March – May	May – November
8	—	—	March – April	April – December
9	—	—	February – March	March – December
10	—	—	January – March	March – December
11	—	—	January – February	February – December
12	—	—	January – February	February – December
13	—	—	January – February	February – December

Companion planting

9 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while taking minimal space

CarrotsDeep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and carrots loosen soil

RadishesQuick-growing radishes break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space

MarigoldsRepel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that commonly attack lettuce

SpinachSimilar growing conditions and harvest times, efficient use of garden space

GarlicDeters slugs, aphids, and other soft-bodied pests that damage lettuce leaves

NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce

DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on lettuce pests

ParsleyAttracts beneficial insects and has similar water and nutrient requirements

Avoid

SunflowersCreate too much shade and compete heavily for nutrients and water

BroccoliBoth are heavy nitrogen feeders that compete for the same nutrients

Walnut TreesRelease juglone which is toxic to lettuce and inhibits growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g): 0.742
Fat (g): 0.0738
Carbohydrate (g): 3.37
Vitamin K (µg): 20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.0401
Calcium (mg): 14.2
Iron (mg): 0.0332
Magnesium (mg): 6.31
Phosphorus (mg): 19.2
Potassium (mg): 139
Zinc (mg): 0.173

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Black Seeded Simpson?

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