Black Seeded Simpson lettuce seeds

Lactuca sativa

12" - 18" apart

Bright green leaves

1/8" deep

Full sun / part shade

Black Seeded Simpson lettuce, with its crisp, tender, and slightly crumpled leaves, is a versatile addition to any kitchen. Primarily enjoyed fresh, its mild and sweet flavor makes it an excellent base for salads, either on its own or mixed with other greens and vegetables. The leaves' slightly ruffled texture also helps them hold salad dressings well. Beyond salads, these leaves can add a refreshing crunch to sandwiches and wraps, used whole or torn to fit. For a slightly different application, the leaves can be gently wilted or added at the very end of cooking to soups or stir-fries for a touch of fresh flavor and texture. Their attractive bright green color also makes them a visually appealing garnish for a variety of dishes.

Yes

45-50 days

Biennial

Yes

Yes

Best of all and Simpson lettuce. 

**Growing Lettuce from Seed**

1. **Timing:** Lettuce is a cool-season crop. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost or directly sow them in the garden once the soil temperature reaches at least 40°F.

2. **Containers and Soil:** Use seed starting trays or small pots filled with a seed starting mix. Moisten the mix before planting.

3. **Planting:** Sow seeds thinly on the surface of the soil, covering them lightly with 1/8 inch of soil. Mist the soil gently to avoid dislodging the seeds.

4. **Light and Temperature:** Place the containers in a warm, sunny location with temperatures between 60-70°F. If needed, use a grow light to provide adequate light.

5. **Watering:** Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Misting the soil surface regularly is a good way to maintain moisture without disturbing the seeds.

6. **Germination:** Lettuce seeds typically germinate within 7-10 days.

7. **Thinning:** Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to the strongest plant in each cell or pot.

**Transplanting Lettuce**

1. **Hardening Off:** Before transplanting, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the duration over a week.

2. **Spacing:** Transplant seedlings into the garden when they have 4-6 true leaves. Space them according to the variety:

* Leaf lettuce: 6-8 inches apart

* Head lettuce: 10-12 inches apart

3. **Planting Depth:** Plant seedlings at the same depth they were growing in their containers.

4. **Watering:** Water deeply after transplanting to help the seedlings establish.

**Caring for Transplanted Lettuce**

1. **Watering:** Lettuce needs consistent moisture, especially during hot weather. Water deeply and regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate during the day.

2. **Fertilizing:** Lettuce is a light feeder. Fertilize once or twice during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

3. **Weed Control:** Keep the area around your lettuce plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

4. **Pest and Disease Control:** Monitor plants for signs of pests or diseases. Aphids and slugs are common lettuce pests. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help control aphids. Handpicking slugs or using diatomaceous earth can be effective for slug control.

5. **Harvesting:** Harvest leaf lettuce by snipping outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest head lettuce when the heads are firm and full-sized but before they bolt (flower).

**Additional Tips**

* Consider succession planting lettuce every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest throughout the season.

* Lettuce prefers cool weather. If temperatures rise above 75°F, consider providing shade for your plants to prevent bolting.

* Lettuce grows well in containers. If you have limited garden space, try growing lettuce in pots or raised beds.