Romaine Parris Island White COS Lettuce Seeds

Lactuca sativa var. longifolia Parris Island Cos

Lactuca sativa var. longifolia Parris Island Cos is a classic, heirloom romaine variety renowned for its majestic, upright cylindrical heads and exceptional crunch. Growing to about 10 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 10 to 12 inches, this variety is perfect for vegetable gardens and raised beds where high yields of premium salad greens are desired. Unlike looser leaf varieties, Parris Island Cos forms a heavy, vase-shaped head with a self-blanching, creamy-white heart, offering a display of vigorous, dark green outer leaves that provide a continuous harvest of crisp, sweet ribs.

Culinary and Practical Uses

• The crisp, succulent leaves and thick midribs are the definitive choice for Caesar salads, providing the sturdy texture needed to hold up to creamy dressings and croutons.
• The large, boat-shaped leaves serve as excellent natural "wraps" for low-carb tacos, burgers, and savory appetizers.
• Ideally suited for grilling; the dense heads can be halved, brushed with olive oil, and charred quickly for a smoky, warm side dish.

Characteristics

• Foliage: slightly crumpled, grayish-green outer leaves surrounding a pale, creamy-white interior heart; the texture is famous for its satisfying snap and mild flavor.
• Growth Habit: Tall, upright, and uniform; known for its resistance to tip burn and tolerance to mosaic virus, making it a reliable performer in varied climates.
• Flowers: Produces a central stalk with small yellow composite flowers if allowed to bolt in high heat, though plants are typically harvested before this stage.
• Seeds: Harvested after the plant flowers and the fluff dries; this variety typically produces white seeds that are easy to collect for future seasons.

Growing Requirements

• Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers full sun in cooler months but benefits from afternoon shade in the heat of summer to prevent bolting.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types but prefers fertile, well-draining soil rich in nitrogen and organic matter to support rapid leaf growth.
• Water: Requires consistent, moderate watering; maintaining even soil moisture is critical to keep the thick ribs juicy and sweet rather than bitter.
• Spacing: Plant seeds or thin seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart to allow the upright heads to develop fully without overcrowding.
• Maintenance: Mulch to keep roots cool; harvest the whole head when it feels full and firm, or harvest outer leaves individually as needed.

Shipping Info

Romaine Parris Island White COS Lettuce seeds ship as fresh, high-quality, viable seeds that are carefully packaged for stability and protection from damage during transit. Prompt shipping supports reliable germination and seasonally appropriate planting.