- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
- Learn More
Variety Info
Days to Maturity: 21 – 40 days
Family: Asteraceae
Type: Leaf Lettuce (Learn more)
Native: Unknown; lettuce has been in cultivation for a long time.
Hardiness: Frost-tolerant annual
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Plant Dimensions: 8" tall, 10" wide
Variety Info: Crinkled, light green leaves with frilly edges. Crisp leaves at center of plant blanch almost white when the plant is allowed to grow to full maturity.
Attributes: Frost Tolerant
Sowing Info
When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 60°–70°F. Successive Sowings: Every 3 weeks until 4 to 6 weeks before your average first fall frost date. Mild Climates: Sow in fall and winter for cool season harvests.
When to Start Inside: 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, and in summer when soil temperatures are too warm (above 80°F) to germinate lettuce seed.
Days to Emerge: 5–10 days
Seed Depth: Surface to ⅛"
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 10"
Row Spacing: 12"
Thinning: When ½" tall, thin to 1 every 10"
Your hardiness zone is
Growing Info
Harvesting: Harvest in the morning, by cutting off at ground level. If regrowth is desired, cut the leaves higher, at 2". For a continual supply, outer, individual leaves can be harvested at any stage of maturity, but leave at least half of the plant for regrowth.
- Linda S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars9/19/25Delicious, crispy, prolific
This is a great lettuce and it provides a bountiful harvest.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests9/19/25Hey Linda S.,
What a fantastic review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that your Black Seeded Simpson Leaf Lettuce is delivering on all fronts - delicious, crispy, AND prolific!
There's something so satisfying about a lettuce variety that really delivers on that perfect crisp texture, isn't there? Black Seeded Simpson has been a garden favorite for generations, and your experience really showcases why it's earned that reputation. When you get that combination of great flavor, satisfying crunch, and bountiful harvests, you know you've found a winner!
It sounds like these lettuce plants have really found their groove in your garden and are showing their appreciation with that generous harvest. There's nothing quite like being able to step outside and gather fresh, crispy lettuce leaves whenever you need them for salads, sandwiches, or whatever delicious creation you have in mind.
Your experience really highlights what makes Black Seeded Simpson such a reliable choice for gardeners who want consistent, high-quality leafy greens throughout the growing season.
Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful review about both the flavor and productivity. Your experience will be so helpful for other gardeners considering this classic lettuce variety!
Keep on growing 🌻️
- HeidiRated 5 out of 5 stars6/2/245 Stars
My fav lettuce! Yes it’s already growing!
- HeidiVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/2/245 Stars
My fav lettuce! Yes it’s already growing!
- Lisa G.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 stars5/10/241 Star
Last year I had fresh seeds from Burpee and every single one immediately started to bolt. I grow many varieties of lettuce in my greenhouse each year and used to consider Simpson one of my go to lettuces.
This year I purchased the seeds from Botanical and exactly the same thing happened. While all my other lettuce varieties grew properly, all the Simpsons put up a central stalk very early, turning milky and subpar.
Probably the same seed supplier is used by both companies. Hopefully Botanical does a little research into what’s wrong with what once was a very easy to grow and beautiful lettuce.
The seeds are only good for baby leaf production.
Which best describes you as a gardener? Expert - Alma H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3/26/245 Stars
I love to mix my greens, fruits and nuts such as arugula and Simpson lettuce to make salads. Life is tasty!
Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner