Lettuce Parris Island Cos ( Lactuca sativa ) is an open pollinated, heirloom variety that dates back to the late 1940’s – early 1950’s. This lettuce is very popular for its use as a baby leaf variety and can be harvested both as a loose leaf or full lettuce; either way it will grow back. This variety is quick growing and if harvested as a loose leaf from the outside regularly; will continue to produce for the entire season.
The leaves are tender, sweet and crispy, making a great addition to any salad. The Parris Island Cos Lettuce is a must have for Caesar Salads; is great for filling and wrapping as a substitute bread and also as a scoop for dips.
Warning: many people who begin growing this variety; never stop!
Other perks of this variety are that it is slow bolting; heat tolerant; shade tolerant; leaf tip burn resistant; quite disease resistant and keeps it’s sweet taste, even through hotter weather; when some lettuce’s will become bitter.
Suitable for Cold to Tropical Climates.
Growth
Lettuce Parris Island Cos is an annual that can grow up to around 30 cm tall and 25 cm wide. The leaves are bright green and slightly bumpy (savoyed). The centre of this lettuce has a crisp white heart. This variety can be harvested as early 10 days as microgreens; as a baby leaf at around 30 days; or as a full lettuce at approximately 60-75 days. Sow every 2 weeks for a continual harvest.
Cos lettuces are also referred to as Romaine lettuces.
This variety prefers full sun, however in hotter climates or seasons, some afternoon sun will be appreciated. Water regularly and fertilise with a liquid organic fertiliser every two weeks with either a seaweed mixture or worm pee.
*We recommend growing ALL edible foods organically; it always tastes better – so your taste buds; body and family will thank you 🙂
FAMILY:
Asteraceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
8°C to 30°C / 46 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Loose, well draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun, but shaded in hot climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 25 cm (10 inches)
pH:
6.0-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Self-Pollinated
MATURITY:
60-75 days for full sized lettuce; around 30 days for young loose leaf leaves.
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 800
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT LETTUCE PARRIS ISLAND COS (Lactuca sativa)
The Lettuce Parris Island Cos was named after Parris Island, a small island off of South Carolina, USA.
Cos (Romaine) Lettuces have plenty of nutritional benefits, they a packed with vitamin A & K and quite a decent amount of vitamin C and folate.
