Black Seeded Simpson lettuce is a classic heirloom variety known for its reliability and rapid growth. First introduced around 1879 by the Peter Henderson & Co. of New York, this variety of Lactuca sativa has maintained its popularity for over a century due to its consistent performance and pleasant flavor. It is classified as a loose-leaf lettuce, meaning it forms an open rosette of leaves rather than a tight, compact head like a Romaine or Iceberg type, and is recognized as one of the oldest and most dependable types of garden lettuce available.
Classification and Distinctive Appearance
Black Seeded Simpson is categorized as a leaf lettuce, noted for its large, upright growth habit that creates a loose, yet full, plant structure. The leaves are a bright, light green color with a crinkled, ruffled, and lightly crumpled texture. This variety is named for the color of its mature seeds, which are black, distinguishing it from white-seeded lettuce types.
The plant reaches a height of 6 to 12 inches at maturity and is valued for its adaptability. It is considered more tolerant of heat than many other lettuce varieties, which helps delay bolting—the premature sending up of a flower stalk that causes bitterness. This resistance contributes significantly to its broad appeal. The leaves grow quickly, forming a delicate and tender foliage mass, with the inner leaves often blanching to a nearly white color.
Growing and Harvesting Requirements
Black Seeded Simpson lettuce is a cool-season crop that thrives best when planted in early spring or late summer, generally preferring temperatures between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Successful cultivation requires well-drained, loose, and fertile soil with a high content of organic matter to support the plant’s shallow root system.
While it performs well in full sun, gardeners in warmer climates often benefit from planting in partial shade during the hottest part of the day to maintain soil coolness and prevent wilting. Consistent moisture is necessary for rapid growth and to ensure the leaves remain sweet and tender, as erratic watering can induce bitterness.
The seeds can be sown directly into the garden as soon as the soil is workable, with germination typically occurring within 7 to 10 days. For a continuous supply of fresh leaves, new seeds can be planted in succession every two to three weeks. The time to full maturity ranges from 45 to 60 days, though baby greens can be ready for harvest in as little as 28 days.
This variety is suited to the “cut-and-come-again” harvesting method. Outer leaves are snipped off a few inches above the soil line while leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. This technique extends the harvest period significantly, but the entire plant can also be cut at the base when a full head is desired.
Flavor Profile and Culinary Uses
The flavor of Black Seeded Simpson lettuce is mild, slightly sweet, and delicate, lacking the strong, sometimes bitter, taste found in some darker-leaf varieties. This mild taste profile makes it a versatile option.
The texture is crisp and tender, providing a satisfying, delicate crunch that holds up well in fresh preparations. It is most commonly used as the foundation for fresh salads, where its tender leaves readily absorb dressings without becoming overly saturated. Beyond salads, the large, pliable leaves are excellent for layering in sandwiches and wraps.