Parris Island Cos
Lactuca sativa 'Parris Island Cos'
The gold standard romaine lettuce that has been the backbone of American Caesar salads since 1952, developed specifically for hot, humid Southern growing conditions. This heat-tolerant variety produces tall, upright heads with thick, crunchy ribs and dark green outer leaves that blanch to creamy yellow hearts. Known for exceptional bolt resistance and reliable performance, it's the romaine that succeeds where others fail in challenging climates.
Harvest
68-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Parris Island Cos in USDA Zone 7
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Parris 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 Parris Island Cos in the refrigerator at 32-36°F with high humidity (95-98%). Wrap heads loosely in damp paper towels and place in perforated plastic bags to maintain moisture while preventing condensation buildup. Properly stored heads keep 2-3 weeks, significantly longer than most lettuce varieties due to their dense structure.
For short-term storage, keep unwashed heads in the crisper drawer and wash leaves just before use. Remove any damaged outer leaves before storing. While lettuce doesn't preserve well through traditional methods like canning or drying, you can extend its use by blanching and freezing chopped leaves for cooked applications like soups and stir-fries, though texture will be compromised. The thick ribs can be preserved by lacto-fermenting them like sauerkraut, creating a tangy condiment popular in some Mediterranean cuisines.
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
Carrots
Deep roots don't compete with shallow lettuce roots, maximizes garden space efficiently
Radishes
Fast-growing, helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
Marigolds
Repel nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects while attracting beneficial predators
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent damping-off and other soil-borne diseases
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and can provide mutual shading in hot weather
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control aphids
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Heavy feeder that competes for nitrogen and can shade out lettuce with large leaves
Sunflowers
Allelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth, plus excessive shading
Celery
Competes heavily for water and nutrients, similar root depth creates direct competition
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #2346388)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent heat tolerance and resistance to bolting and tipburn
Common Pests
Aphids, thrips, cabbage loopers, leaf miners
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce drop, bacterial leaf spot