How to Grow Black Seeded Simpson Lettuce

Black Seeded Simpson lettuce is one of my all time favorites. I live in Georgia and this type of lettuce is perfect to start in late winter or early spring. It loves the cooler weather which Georgia is not known for but if you plant the seeds in early March and take extra care if any frost comes your way then you can have delicious lettuce in only 45 days. If you don't want to spend the extra effort for an early garden then plant them in mid-march or after your area's last frost date.

I plant my seeds two weeks apart in my lettuce garden so that I always have a continuous supply. Black Seeded Simpson lettuce is what is known as a leaf lettuce. You don't have to pick the entire plant. You can clip the amount you need and then the plant will keep growing, producing more lettuce leaves. After a while the plants become weak and a new batch should be planted.

When planting your seeds go ahead and space the plants at least 8 inches apart and the rows should be at least 18 inches apart. The seeds are very fine so pay attention when planting. This type of lettuce does not like to be transplanted as you would with other types of lettuces. Germination time varies but you can expect to see the sprouts in two weeks or less.

Weeding in your garden is very important when growing leaf lettuce. The more weeds you have the more time it takes your lettuce to grow. Try to weed your garden at least twice a week. Black Seeded Simpson lettuce can grow even faster than 45 days if it has no competition from weeds and is healthy. Stay away from non-organic insecticides and be sure to thoroughly wash the lettuce before eating if you have to use anything on it to protect from pest and insects.

Bunnies are cute but they become an annoyance if you find their little bite marks all over your lettuce leaves. If you have bunnies near your garden consider making a small fence, or buy one, to protect your lettuce. Since I plant mine so early my lettuce garden is like a beacon for the rabbits looking for the fresh greens of spring to appear.

I buy my Black Seeded Simpson lettuce from Ferry Morse. The seeds are USDA organic and are guaranteed to grow. I paid only $2 for a pack of seeds that will plant a 144 foot row.