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Simpson Elite

Lactuca sativa 'Simpson Elite'

An improved version of the classic Black Seeded Simpson, this loose-leaf lettuce offers exceptional heat tolerance and slower bolting. The bright green, deeply frilled leaves create a beautiful, productive plant that keeps producing tender leaves for weeks. Perfect for cut-and-come-again harvesting in warm weather when other lettuces struggle.

Harvest

45-55d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

'Allstar Mix'

☀️

Zones

2–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

6-12 inches

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct Sow

Harvest

Direct Sow

Harvest

Showing dates for Simpson Elite in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 lettuce →

Zone Map

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Simpson Elite · Zones 2–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-8 inches

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil with good organic content

pH6.0-7.0

Water1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture

SeasonCool season with heat tolerance

FlavorMild, sweet, crisp with no bitterness even in warm weather

ColorBright light green with yellow-green highlights

SizeIndividual leaves 4-6 inches, full plant 8-10 inches wide

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	June – 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

Store freshly harvested Simpson Elite in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-36°F with high humidity. Properly stored leaves maintain quality for 7-10 days – longer than most lettuce varieties thanks to Simpson Elite's sturdy leaf structure.

Before storing, gently wash leaves in cold water and spin dry thoroughly. Excess moisture promotes rot, while completely dry leaves wilt faster. Layer clean leaves between paper towels in storage containers to absorb excess moisture.

Simpson Elite preserves well through lacto-fermentation – chop leaves and ferment with 2% salt brine for 3-5 days to create a tangy, probiotic-rich condiment. Dehydrating at 95°F produces crispy lettuce chips that store for months in airtight containers. While freezing isn't ideal for fresh eating, blanched Simpson Elite works well in cooked dishes and smoothies when frozen in ice cube trays with water or broth.

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 providing natural pest deterrent

Carrots

Root depth complements shallow lettuce roots, maximizes garden space efficiency

Radishes

Quick-growing crop that loosens soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space

Marigolds

Deters nematodes, aphids, and whiteflies while attracting beneficial insects

Spinach

Similar growing requirements and can provide wind protection for tender lettuce leaves

Nasturtiums

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce from pest damage

Garlic

Natural fungicide properties help prevent damping-off and other soil-borne diseases

Dill

Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control lettuce pests

Keep Apart

Broccoli

Competes heavily for nutrients and creates too much shade for optimal lettuce growth

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit germination and growth of lettuce

Sunflowers

Creates excessive shade and competes aggressively for water and soil nutrients

Nutrition Facts

Protein

0.742g(1%)

Carbs

3.37g(1%)

Fat

0.0738g(0%)

Vitamin K

20.5mcg(17%)

Iron

0.0332mg(0%)

Calcium

14.2mg(1%)

Potassium

139mg(3%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent heat tolerance and bolt resistance. Good downy mildew resistance.

Common Pests

Aphids, slugs, snails, flea beetles, leaf miners

Diseases

Downy mildew, bottom rot, lettuce mosaic virus

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Simpson Elite lettuce take to grow?▼

Simpson Elite matures in 45-55 days from seed to full harvest, but you can begin harvesting baby leaves at just 25-30 days. For continuous production, practice cut-and-come-again harvesting starting at 4 weeks, which extends the productive period to 6-8 weeks total.

Can you grow Simpson Elite lettuce in containers?▼

Yes, Simpson Elite grows excellently in containers at least 8 inches deep and 12 inches wide. Use well-draining potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes. Container growing actually helps in hot climates since you can move pots to shadier locations during extreme heat.

Is Simpson Elite good for beginners?▼

Simpson Elite is excellent for beginning gardeners due to its forgiving nature and heat tolerance. It's less likely to bolt prematurely than other lettuces, grows quickly, and provides clear visual cues for harvest timing. The cut-and-come-again harvest method is also very beginner-friendly.

When should I plant Simpson Elite lettuce?▼

Plant Simpson Elite 2-3 weeks before your last spring frost date, then succession plant every 2 weeks through late summer. In hot climates (zones 8-10), focus on spring and fall plantings, avoiding midsummer sowings unless you can provide afternoon shade.

What does Simpson Elite lettuce taste like?▼

Simpson Elite offers a mild, sweet flavor with crisp texture and no bitterness, even when grown in warm weather. The leaves have a pleasant, clean taste that doesn't overpower other salad ingredients, making it ideal as a salad base or in mixed greens.

Simpson Elite vs Black Seeded Simpson - what's the difference?▼

Simpson Elite is a hybrid improvement of the heirloom Black Seeded Simpson, offering superior heat tolerance, slower bolting, and better disease resistance. While both have similar appearance and flavor, Simpson Elite performs significantly better in warm weather but costs more and cannot be saved for seed.