Black Jack

Family: Asteraceae Leafy Green

Sink your senses into Black Jack’s crisp, cool crunch—deeply colored leaves that feel silken yet substantial, with a fresh, subtly sweet bite.

This Summer Crisp lettuce forms an attractive, compact head with a sturdy texture that holds its shape beautifully from garden to table, staying crisp and inviting through warm-season harvests. Ideal for fresh salads and vibrant summer platters, Black Jack brings a dark, elegant look and a satisfying crunch to every bowl.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 65 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 22nd
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	65
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	65
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Black Jack’s summer-crisp texture stays snappy even when dressed, so you can build salads that don’t wilt into sadness. Its dark, gently sweet leaf reads beautifully against sharp lemon, salty fat, and crunchy nuts—no need to overthink it.

Best Uses

tossed summer salads where you want leaves to hold shape
lettuce “cups” for chunky fillings that don’t get soggy
cold platters with a bright vinaigrette and crunchy toppings
quick char-less plating with warm proteins for contrast

Flavor Profile

cool, crisp crunch subtly sweet, leafy bitterness silken-yet-substantial bite mild, clean finish

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette goat cheese grilled chicken hard-boiled egg bacon or pancetta toasted almonds

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Black Jack plants getting distorted leaves and sticky sap, and what should I do?

That pattern is usually aphids feeding on new growth, often followed by sooty mold from their honeydew. Spray plants with a strong jet of water to knock aphids off, then apply insecticidal soap, coating the undersides of leaves; repeat every 5–7 days for 2–3 rounds. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding, which encourages fresh aphid-prone growth.

How often should I water Black Jack during the main growing phase (around weeks 3–8)?

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy from when seedlings establish until near maturity: water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Aim for deep, slow watering so moisture reaches the root zone, and reduce frequency if the soil stays wet or plants show yellowing. Consistent moisture during active leaf growth helps prevent stalling by heat stress.

How do I know when Black Jack is ready to harvest at about 65 days?

Harvest when the plant has reached full size and the edible portion looks mature and firm—typically around day 65, depending on temperature. For best flavor, harvest in the morning and avoid waiting until the plants look overly soft or beginning to decline, which can mean reduced quality. If you’re unsure, compare to labeled maturity timing and harvest the first few plants to test texture.