Lettuce Black seeded Simpson

An old and much-loved lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson has been grown since the 19th century and remains a favourite for its speed, reliability and generous harvests. With its soft, crinkled lime-green leaves, it produces large, open heads that are both attractive and highly productive.

This variety is especially valued for cut-and-come-again harvesting, making it ideal for gardeners who enjoy a steady supply of fresh leaves over a long season.

Key characteristics

• Classic heritage lettuce dating back to the 1800s

• Large, open heads with pale green, frilled leaves

• Fast growing and highly productive

• Excellent for cut-and-come-again harvesting

• Mild, sweet flavour with a tender texture

• Approximately 200 seeds per packet

Growing information

• Suitable for spring, summer and early autumn sowing

• Quick to germinate and easy to grow

• Performs well in open ground, raised beds and containers

• Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth

In the kitchen

A staple salad lettuce, Black Seeded Simpson is perfect for everyday use. Its tender leaves pair well with herbs, vinaigrettes and other salad greens, and it mixes beautifully with red-leaved varieties for colour contrast.