Lettuce Parris Island Cos
$4.49
Lactuca Sativa
- Seed Count 300
- Good Variety For Baby Leaves
- Annual
In stock
Description
A quintessential Romaine lettuce, Parris Island Cos has earned its place in Australian gardens through its adaptability, crisp texture, and dual-purpose harvest potential. Renowned for its upright growth habit, this variety forms tall, sturdy heads up to 30 cm, adorned with strong, deeply veined leaves and a signature white midrib that delivers a refreshing crunch.
Whether harvested young for tender baby greens or allowed to mature into full, statuesque heads, this heat-tolerant lettuce thrives in Australia’s variable climates, offering flexibility for gardeners from the tropical north to the temperate south.
Culinary versatility is a hallmark of Parris Island Cos. Its mildly sweet, mineral-rich leaves are a nutrient-dense addition to meals, packed with vitamins A, C, and K. While traditionally grown to full size, its rising popularity as a baby leaf reflects modern culinary trends, offering chefs and home cooks alike a tender yet crisp texture for mixed greens or gourmet garnishes.
Related Article: Lettuce Begin
| Method: Raise seedlings | Soil Temp: 8°C - 27°C |
| Cool Mountain: Aug - May | Position: Full sun to part shade |
| Arid: Oct - May | Row Spacing: 30 cm apart |
| Temperate: Jan - Dec | Planting Depth: 5 mm |
| Sub Tropical: Jan - Dec | Harvest: 60 days |
| Tropical: Apr - Jun | Plant Height: 30cm |
Soil Preparation
Soil Type:
- Well draining, rich in organic matter (pH 6.0–7.0).
Amendments:
- Mix in compost or aged manure. Use raised beds in wet areas.
Fertiliser:
- Apply balanced fertiliser pre planting.
Planting Seeds
Depth:
- 5mm deep.
Spacing:
- 30cm apart.
Method:
- Direct sow or start indoors in trays for early crops.
- Thin seedlings to avoid crowding.
Care Tips
Watering:
- Keep soil moist; water morning to prevent mildew.
- Drip irrigation recommended.
Mulching:
- Use straw or sugar cane mulch to retain moisture.
Feeding:
- Side dress with nitrogen rich fertiliser (e.g., fish emulsion) 3 weeks post planting.
Pests & Diseases
Pests:
- Aphids spray with soapy water.
- Slugs/snails use beer traps.
Diseases:
- Downy mildew avoid overhead watering.
Prevention:
- Rotate crops annually and avoid planting in brassica beds.
Harvesting
Leaf Varieties:
- Harvest outer leaves at 4–6 weeks; “cut and come again.”
Head Varieties:
- Harvest whole head when firm (8–12 weeks).
Tip:
- Harvest in the morning for crispness.
Storing
- Rinse, dry, wrap in damp cloth, and refrigerate.
- Consume within 1–2 weeks.
Companion Planting Guide
Good Companion:
- Carrots will loosen soil.
- Radishes will be a trap crop for flea beetles.
- Dill/Coriander will attract beneficial insects (e.g., ladybirds).
- Marigolds will deter nematodes and aphids.
- Onions/Garlic will repel slugs and aphids.
- Nasturtiums will trap aphids.
Avoid planting with:
- Cabbage family as will compete for nutrients.
- Fennel which inhibits lettuce growth.
Key Tip
- Interplant fast growing radishes between lettuce rows for space efficiency.
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