West Coast Seeds (Simpson Elite)
West Coast Seeds (Simpson Elite)
Simpson Elite lettuce seeds produce big, loosely packed, slightly crumpled green leaves, with a blanched, almost white interior. This heirloom is slow-bolting, drought resistant variety can even handle mild frost, so it's ideal for spring, early summer, and fall harvest. This variety is a versatile and tasty lettuce for the organic vegetable garden. Learn when to plant lettuce seeds in our How to Grow Lettuce guide in the tab below. Lettuce is an easy beginner's crop, and suitable for container growing on your patio or balcony. Be sure to plant some Simpson Elite lettuce seeds this season.
Latin Name |
Lactuca sativa |
Difficulty |
Easy |
Exposure |
Full sun to partial shade |
Sprouting | 7-15 days |
Matures | 45-60 days |
Starting |
Direct sow or start indoors and transplant. Sow seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, or on the surface of the soil where the soil can be kept evenly moist.. Space or thin heading lettuce to 30cm (12″) apart. Space or thin looseleaf varieties to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Space rows for all types 45-90cm (18-36″) apart. Babyleaf lettuce can be planted quite densely, as it is harvested at an immature size. Sowing babyleaf lettuce seeds closely together in narrow rows makes harvesting simpler. |
Growing |
Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5. Aim for a soil with ample drainage and lots of organic matter. Add compost and lime at least 3 weeks prior to planting. One cup of balanced organic fertilizer per 3m (10′) of row will give adequate nutrition. Seedlings should be hardened off by reducing water and putting the plants outdoors 2 or 3 days before transplanting. This will help to prevent transplant shock and premature bolting. Regular watering is essential to prevent leaves from developing a bitter taste. |
Germination Rate | 70% |
Seed Life | 3 year |
Looseleaf
Big, loosely packed green leaves
Ideal for spring, summer, and fall harvest
Open pollinated seeds