Black Seeded Simpson
Lactuca sativa
An early producer of light green, curled, tender leaves. MT0-30.
Harvest
40-50d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Black Seeded Simpson in USDA Zone 7
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Black Seeded Simpson · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: 'Allstar Mix', 'Bibb', 'Black-seeded Simpson', 'Buttercrunch', 'Green Oakleaf', 'Ithaca', 'Jericho', Lactuca sativa var. augustana ('Celtuce'), 'New Red Fire', 'Pennlake', 'Red Sails', 'Salinas'. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Tiny seeds with a dandelion-like tuft (pappus) to aid in wind dispersal.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
Storage & Preservation
Immediately after harvest, rinse Black Seeded Simpson leaves in cold water and spin dry thoroughly. Store in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-35°F with high humidity. Properly stored leaves stay fresh for 7-10 days.
Unlike storage vegetables, lettuce doesn't preserve well long-term. Your best options are freezing cleaned leaves in smoothie portions (texture will be lost but nutrition remains) or dehydrating young, tender leaves at 95°F for lettuce powder seasoning. Fermentation isn't recommended as lettuce lacks the structure needed for successful lacto-fermentation.
For continuous supply, focus on succession planting rather than preservation methods. Extend fresh harvests by growing under row covers as weather cools.
History & Origin
Origin: Mediterranean to Siberia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Chives
Repels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while taking minimal space
Carrots
Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, and carrots loosen soil
Radishes
Quick-growing radishes break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
Marigolds
Repel aphids, whiteflies, and other pests that commonly attack lettuce
Spinach
Similar growing conditions and harvest times, efficient use of garden space
Garlic
Deters slugs, aphids, and other soft-bodied pests that damage lettuce leaves
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs that prey on lettuce pests
Parsley
Attracts beneficial insects and has similar water and nutrient requirements
Keep Apart
Sunflowers
Create too much shade and compete heavily for nutrients and water
Broccoli
Both are heavy nitrogen feeders that compete for the same nutrients
Walnut Trees
Release juglone which is toxic to lettuce and inhibits growth
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good tolerance to heat stress and some resistance to tipburn
Common Pests
Aphids, flea beetles, slugs, cutworms
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, tipburn, bolting in hot weather