Paris Island Cos
Lactuca sativa 'Paris Island Cos'
The gold standard for romaine lettuce, this heat-tolerant variety produces tall, upright heads with crisp, dark green outer leaves and sweet, crunchy hearts. Developed for reliability in challenging conditions, Paris Island Cos consistently delivers the classic romaine experience that Caesar salad lovers crave. Its exceptional bolt resistance makes it perfect for extending the growing season into warmer months.
Harvest
66-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Paris Island Cos in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Paris Island Cos · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | July – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | July – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | May – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | April – December |
| Zone 10 | — | — | January – March | March – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: 'Allstar Mix', 'Bibb', 'Black-seeded Simpson', 'Buttercrunch', 'Green Oakleaf', 'Ithaca', 'Jericho', Lactuca sativa var. augustana ('Celtuce'), 'New Red Fire', 'Pennlake', 'Red Sails', 'Salinas'. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Tiny seeds with a dandelion-like tuft (pappus) to aid in wind dispersal.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Achene. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
Storage & Preservation
Store freshly harvested Paris Island Cos in the refrigerator immediately after harvest for maximum shelf life. Wrap whole heads loosely in damp paper towels, then place in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawer — this maintains the 95% humidity lettuce needs while preventing condensation buildup. Properly stored heads keep 7-10 days.
For longer preservation, this variety's sturdy leaves make excellent candidates for dehydrating into lettuce chips or powdering for seasoning blends. Blanch outer leaves for 30 seconds before freezing for use in cooked dishes and smoothies, though texture will be soft after thawing. The dense, crunchy hearts can be pickled whole in light brine solutions, creating a unique preserved vegetable that maintains much of its characteristic crunch for 2-3 months refrigerated.
History & Origin
Origin: Mediterranean to Siberia
Advantages
- +Edible: Leaves can be used raw or cooked in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Head lettuce can be stored for 2-3 weeks while leaf and butterhead store for 1-2 weeks.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Chives
Repels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while providing natural pest deterrent
Marigolds
Repels nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects that damage lettuce
Carrots
Grows well in similar soil conditions and helps break up soil for lettuce roots
Radishes
Quick-growing companion that helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
Nasturtiums
Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control lettuce pests
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and can be interplanted for efficient space usage
Garlic
Repels aphids, slugs, and other pests that commonly attack lettuce
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Competes heavily for nitrogen and can shade out lettuce with its large leaves
Sunflowers
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Walnut Trees
Releases juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to lettuce and most vegetables
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good heat tolerance and bolt resistance
Common Pests
Aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, thrips
Diseases
Tipburn, downy mildew, lettuce drop, bottom rot