Simpson Elite

Silky, tender leaves unfurl in a cool green rosette, with a crisp sweetness that feels almost luminous in the garden.

Simpson Elite forms an especially uniform head of finely textured foliage—gentle yet substantial—ideal for fresh, quick harvests and repeat picking as the plant stays composed through the season. Grow it for salads and bright, leafy garnishes, and for spooning into smooth sauces where its delicate flavor shines without bitterness.

Light: Part SunMaturity: 55 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 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Simpson Elite’s finely textured, low-bitter leaves make for a lettuce that stays sweet and crisp even when you dress it and wait a few minutes—less bite, more clean crunch. Use it where you need a gentle, spoonable leafy character (sauces, light purees) that won’t taste grassy or sharp.

Best Uses

cold salads where you want a sweet crunch without harshness
leaf-cupped burgers and sandwiches (won’t bully the sauce)
quick wilted tosses—barely heated—so it stays glossy and not watery
blended soups and creamy sauces for a mild, silky body

Flavor Profile

crisp, cool sweetness silky-tender leaf texture mild, green, almost nutty finish low-bitter, clean palate

Kitchen Pairings

lemon vinaigrette bacon or prosciutto goat cheese sherry vinegar toasted walnuts

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common on Simpson Elite (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and how do I manage it?

On Brassica oleracea var. capitata, a frequent issue is cabbage loopers and other chewing caterpillars that leave irregular holes in leaves. Inspect plants 2–3 times per week and hand-pick early, then protect with an insect net/row cover and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray when caterpillars are small for effective control. If you see yellowing with pale leaf patches that spread, remove badly affected leaves and improve airflow to reduce disease pressure.

How often should I water Simpson Elite during the main growing phase?

During head development, keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings if it’s hot or windy. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, and avoid letting the soil cycle from very dry to very wet, which can trigger stress and reduce head quality. Mulch around plants to hold moisture without waterlogging.

How can I tell when Simpson Elite is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm (press gently; they should not feel loose) and have reached a dense, solid shape. For Simpson Elite, target about 55 days from transplanting/establishment, but don’t harvest early if the head is still soft or gaps are forming. Cut the head at the base with a sharp knife, leaving some outer leaves to protect the head.