Description
Botanical Interests Black Seeded Simpson - Classic Organic Heirloom Leaf Lettuce Seeds
Grow crisp, tender salad greens with a time-tested favorite using Botanical Interests Black Seeded Simpson Organic Lettuce Seeds. This beloved heirloom variety has been a garden staple since the 1850s, producing abundant, frilly light green leaves with exceptional flavor and texture perfect for fresh salads and sandwiches.
Why Choose Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce?
- Classic Heirloom Variety: Time-tested favorite since the 1850s with proven performance
- Certified Organic: USDA organic, non-GMO seeds for chemical-free gardening
- Crisp, Tender Leaves: Light green, frilly leaves with mild, sweet flavor
- Heat Tolerant: Slower to bolt than many leaf lettuces in warm weather
- Fast Growing: Ready to harvest in as little as 45 days
- Cut-and-Come-Again: Harvest outer leaves for continuous production
- Easy to Grow: Perfect for beginning gardeners and children's gardens
- Cool Season Crop: Ideal for spring and fall planting
- Container Friendly: Grows well in pots and small spaces
Product Specifications
- Brand: Botanical Interests
- Variety: Black Seeded Simpson (Lactuca sativa)
- Packet Size: 750 mg
- Seed Type: Certified organic, heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO
- Item Number: #3025
- Type: Leaf lettuce (loose-leaf)
- Leaf Color: Light green
- Leaf Texture: Frilly, crinkled
- Days to Maturity: 45-50 days
- Plant Height: 8-10 inches
Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade in hot climates)
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter
- Temperature: Cool-season crop; prefers temperatures 60-70°F
- Water: Consistent moisture; keep soil evenly moist
- Spacing: Thin to 6-8 inches apart for full heads, or 2-4 inches for baby greens
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost
How to Grow Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce
- When to Plant: Direct sow in early spring 2-4 weeks before last frost, or in late summer for fall harvest
- Soil Preparation: Amend soil with compost for rich, fertile growing conditions
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep or surface sow and lightly cover
- Germination: Seeds germinate in 7-10 days at 60-70°F
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart (use thinnings in salads)
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; water regularly, especially in warm weather
- Fertilizing: Side-dress with compost or apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
- Succession Planting: Sow new seeds every 2 weeks for continuous harvest
- Harvesting: Begin harvesting outer leaves when 4-6 inches tall, or cut entire plant at base
Crisp, Tender Salad Greens
Black Seeded Simpson produces beautiful light green, frilly leaves with a crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor. The tender leaves are perfect for:
- Fresh garden salads and mixed greens
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Burgers and tacos
- Lettuce cups and wraps
- Smoothies and green juices
- Garnishes
Heat Tolerant for Extended Harvest
Unlike many leaf lettuces that bolt quickly in warm weather, Black Seeded Simpson is slower to bolt, providing a longer harvest window. This heat tolerance makes it an excellent choice for gardeners in warmer climates or for late spring/early summer plantings.
Cut-and-Come-Again Harvesting
One of the best features of Black Seeded Simpson is its ability to regrow after harvesting. Simply cut outer leaves 1-2 inches above the crown, and the plant will continue producing new leaves for weeks. This method provides:
- Continuous fresh lettuce from fewer plants
- Extended harvest period
- Maximum yield per square foot
- Fresh salads for weeks from a single planting
Perfect for Container Gardening
Black Seeded Simpson's compact size and shallow roots make it ideal for container growing. Plant in pots, window boxes, or raised beds for fresh lettuce on patios, balconies, or small spaces. Use containers at least 6-8 inches deep with good drainage.
Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest
For fresh lettuce all season long, practice succession planting:
- Sow new seeds every 2 weeks from early spring through late summer
- Plant in spring and again in late summer for fall harvest
- In mild climates, grow through winter with protection
- Stagger plantings to avoid gluts and gaps
Harvesting Tips for Best Quality
- Baby Greens: Harvest when leaves are 3-4 inches tall (20-30 days)
- Mature Leaves: Harvest outer leaves when 6-8 inches tall (45-50 days)
- Whole Head: Cut entire plant 1-2 inches above soil for regrowth
- Best Time: Harvest in morning when leaves are crisp and cool
- Storage: Wash, dry thoroughly, and refrigerate in sealed container for up to 1 week
Heirloom Variety Since the 1850s
Black Seeded Simpson has been a beloved garden variety for over 170 years. Its enduring popularity is testament to its reliable performance, excellent flavor, and adaptability. As an open-pollinated heirloom, you can save seeds from your harvest to grow year after year.
Companion Planting
Black Seeded Simpson grows well with:
- Beneficial Companions: Carrots, radishes, beets, onions, strawberries, cucumbers
- Avoid Planting Near: Parsley (competes for nutrients)
Interplant lettuce with slower-growing crops to maximize garden space.
Why Certified Organic Seeds?
Botanical Interests' USDA certified organic seeds are produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Choosing organic seeds supports:
- Chemical-free gardening
- Soil health and biodiversity
- Sustainable agriculture practices
- Your family's health
Perfect for Beginning Gardeners
Black Seeded Simpson's fast growth, easy care, and forgiving nature make it an excellent choice for first-time vegetable gardeners and children's gardens. Seeds germinate reliably, plants grow quickly, and harvesting is simple and rewarding.
Why Botanical Interests Seeds?
Botanical Interests is committed to providing high-quality, certified organic seeds with detailed growing instructions and beautiful, artistic packaging. Their seeds are tested for germination and purity, ensuring gardening success. Each packet includes comprehensive planting, growing, and harvesting information.
Order Botanical Interests Black Seeded Simpson Organic Lettuce Seeds 750mg today and grow this classic heirloom leaf lettuce with crisp, tender leaves perfect for fresh salads - certified organic, heat tolerant, and easy to grow!
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