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.
Order Times
Seed orders are normally dispatched within three business days. You will receive an email when seeds are mailed out.
Postage Days
Seeds are mailed out Monday to Friday at 1pm. Except for the Friday of long weekends.
Postage Times
WA 2-3 Days: SA,NT 3-5 Days: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC: 5-7 Days
Carrier
We use Australia Post Letter Postage for the majority of orders
Not only are our seeds packed in recycled paper envelopes, we keep the theme going when we post out website orders. To protect your seeds from moisture and the letter box munchers (snails), we use a very special plastic free material made from plants. They are then put into recycled mailing envelopes. Green all the way 💚🌿
Lettuce Rouge d'Hiver 
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