Parris Island Cos Romaine Lettuce is an Heirloom Lettuce that is a popular dark-green strain of Cos lettuce. Parris Island forms 25-30 cm (10"-12”) heads of slightly savoyed, dark green leaves with a creamy yellow white heart. Parris Island Lettuce has resistance to tip burn, tolerance to mosaic virus, and has medium resistance to bolting.  Lettuce grows best in cool weather.  Parris Island Cos is a highly adaptable lettuce for continued plantings throughout the growing season.

Growing Instructions:

Direct sow lettuce seeds in early spring or late summer, depending on your climate. Choose a location that receives partial shade in hotter climates and full sun in cooler climates. Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep, spaced 2.5-5cm (1-2”) apart in rows spaced 30-45cm (12-18”) apart. To promote germination, keep the soil consistently moist and cool. The seeds should sprout in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 15-25cm (6-10”) apart when they are 5-7cm (2-3”) tall.

Lettuce prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.0. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Harvest lettuce leaves when they are young and tender. Cut the entire plant or pick individual leaves as needed. Lettuce is a cool-season crop and can bolt (go to seed) in hot weather. Providing shade or planting in a cooler location can help extend the growing season. Soil Conditions: Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil pH: 6.0-7.0 Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep. Germination: 7-14 days. Height at Maturity: 15-25cm (6-10”) tall. Days to Maturity: 40-60 days. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist and cool. Lettuce prefers consistent watering throughout the season. Sun/Shade: Partial shade in hot climates, full sun in cooler climates. Spacing after Thinning: Thin seedlings to 15-25cm (6-10”) apart.