Description
| Seeds | 1 gram (1,000) seeds $2.50, 3 grams (3,000 seeds) $5.35 |
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Black Seeded Simpson
Heritage: England
This popular English heirloom arrived in North America in the mid 1850’s, and was found offered for sale in the Peter Henderson & Co Seed Catalogue by the mid 1870’s.
Large, upright plants grown up to 12″ (30cm) in diameter producing light green, crumpled leaves with a slight frill on the edges. These are large happy leaves! Super spectacular in spring weather, with an abundance of luscious lettuce flavour missing over the winter months. Excellent for cooler weather, it can even withstand light frost! Does not do well heat – we found it to get bitter quickly in July. A lovely lettuce overall, providing it has access to water and lots of shade in warmer weather. Shows disease resistance. One of our Favourites! Matures in 45-50 days. (1,000 seeds/g)
Tips for Growing Luscious Lettuce! Lettuce is a cool weather crop, enjoying full sun until the weather heats up, then it will require some shade in the afternoon. We have the best results direct seeding as soon as the ground warms in early spring. Sprinkle seed sparingly on top of the earth. Cover with a very light sprinkling of lose soil. Gently tamp/press soil down so that the seeds are in contact with the earth. Lightly water, thinning to 6” (15cm) apart. For the most flavourful, sweet and crisp lettuce, be sure to harvest early in the morning. The best companion plants for Lettuce are; onions, radishes, carrots, strawberries, and cucumbers. Lettuce usually germinates within 3-10 days (60-70ºF/16-21ºC). Be aware, if temperatures exceed 80ºF/27ºC, seed may fail to germinate at all!
