Botanical Interests
Black Seeded Simpson Leaf Lettuce Seeds
Black Seeded Simpson Leaf Lettuce Seeds
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Product Details
Product Details
Since 1850, 'Black Seeded Simpson' has been a garden favorite for quality, texture, and flavor. Full-sized, frilly leaves can be picked in just over a month, and baby greens can be harvested in 3 weeks! Withstands hot, dry conditions and light frosts better than other varieties.
Your hardiness zone is
- Variety Info
- Sowing Info
- Growing Info
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"
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.
- Alma H.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsMar 26, 20245 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 - Linda S.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsSep 19, 2025Delicious, crispy, prolific
This is a great lettuce and it provides a bountiful harvest.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateEGEpic GardeningSep 19, 2025Hey 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 🌻️
- JessicaRated 5 out of 5 starsMay 12, 20255 Stars
Amazing seeds! Grest quality!
- HeidiVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 starsJun 2, 20245 Stars
My fav lettuce! Yes it’s already growing!
- Lisa G.Verified BuyerRated 1 out of 5 starsMay 10, 20241 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
