VEGETABLE Lettuce ‘Parris Island Cos’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Parris Island Cos is a classic romaine lettuce variety known for its crisp, upright leaves and sweet, mild flavour. This heirloom variety produces tight, tall heads with thick ribs and bright green leaves that are perfect for Caesar salads, sandwiches, and wraps. It’s reliable, bolt-resistant, and thrives in a wide range of climates, making it a favourite among home gardeners and market growers alike.
Why Grow Parris Island Cos?
- Crisp, crunchy leaves with a mild, sweet flavour—ideal for salads and sandwiches.
- Forms large, upright heads with a blanched heart and strong leaf ribs.
- Slow to bolt and tolerant of warmer conditions compared to other lettuces.
- Grows well in garden beds, raised planters, or containers.
- Popular heirloom variety with consistent performance and excellent texture.
Growing Instructions
- Sow seeds directly into well-prepared garden beds or seedling trays for transplanting.
- Thin seedlings early to promote strong head formation and good airflow.
- Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
- Provide partial shade in warmer months to prevent bolting.
- Harvest outer leaves as needed, or allow heads to mature for a full harvest.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Cool-season annual leafy green. Grows up to 30–35 cm in height.
Sowing Information:
- Germination: 7 – 14 days
- Depth: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep.
- Position: Full sun to part shade in warmer areas.
- Sow Where: Directly in garden beds or trays for transplanting.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-drained soil with compost; pH 6.0 – 7.0.
- Spacing: 25 – 30 cm apart for full-sized heads.
When to Sow Lettuce in New Zealand:
| NZ Region | Sowing Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| North Island – Upper (e.g. Auckland, Bay of Plenty) | Autumn to early spring | Provide part shade in hotter months; mulch well |
| North Island – Lower (e.g. Wellington, Manawatu) | Spring to late autumn | Performs well in most seasons with regular watering |
| South Island – Northern (e.g. Nelson, Marlborough) | Spring to early autumn | Sow successively for continual harvests |
| South Island – Central & Southern (e.g. Canterbury, Otago) | Spring and summer | Sow after last frost; protect young seedlings from slugs |
Growing Tips for New Zealand Gardeners:
- Use insect netting to protect young seedlings from whiteflies and aphids, especially in warmer months.
- Apply a liquid seaweed feed every 2–3 weeks to promote leaf growth and prevent tip burn.
- Space plants to allow airflow and reduce the chance of mildew during wet weather.
- Use slug and snail deterrents (like coffee grounds or traps) in wetter regions.
Harvest:
Harvest outer leaves from 30 days, or allow heads to mature in 60–70 days. Cut whole heads just above the base once firm and full. For ongoing harvests, remove leaves as needed and leave the core intact for regrowth.
