Simpson Elite

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Simpson Elite to a garden.

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

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Simpson Elite Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone	Start Indoors	Sow / Transplant	Harvest
Zone 1a	Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b	Direct Sow	May 25th	Jul 19th – Aug 1st
Zone 2a	Direct Sow	May 18th	Jul 12th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 2nd – Aug 25th
Zone 3a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 2nd – Sep 1st
Zone 3b	Direct Sow	May 12th	Jul 6th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a	Direct Sow	May 8th	Jul 2nd – Sep 24th
Zone 4b	Direct Sow	May 6th	Jun 30th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a	Direct Sow	May 1st	Jun 25th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b	Direct Sow	Apr 27th	Jun 21st – Oct 5th
Zone 6a	Direct Sow	Apr 24th	Jun 18th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b	Direct Sow	Apr 18th	Jun 12th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a	Direct Sow	Apr 13th	Jun 7th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b	Direct Sow	Apr 3rd	May 28th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a	Direct Sow	Mar 25th	May 19th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b	Direct Sow	Mar 16th	May 10th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a	Direct Sow	Feb 27th	Apr 23rd – Nov 26th
Zone 9b	Direct Sow	Feb 2nd	Mar 29th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b	—	Oct 1st	Nov 25th – Feb 28th

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.