Red Express Cos
Lactuca sativa var. longifolia 'Red Express Cos'
A fast-maturing romaine lettuce with striking red-tinged leaves that intensify in cool weather, creating a beautiful gradient from green to deep red. This variety combines the classic crisp texture and sweet flavor of romaine with ornamental appeal and quick harvest times. Perfect for impatient gardeners who want both beauty and speed in their lettuce patch.
Harvest
48-55d
Days to harvest
Sun
'Allstar Mix'
Zones
2–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Red Express Cos in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 lettuce →Zone Map
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Red Express Cos · Zones 2–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | — | May – June | June – October |
| Zone 4 | — | — | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | — | — | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | — | — | April – May | May – November |
| Zone 7 | — | — | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | — | — | March – April | April – December |
| Zone 9 | — | — | February – March | March – 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 Red Express Cos unwashed in perforated plastic bags in your refrigerator's crisper drawer at 32-36°F with high humidity. Properly stored heads maintain quality for 10-14 days. Wash leaves only when ready to use, as excess moisture accelerates decay.
The tender leaves don't freeze or dry well, but you can preserve the harvest by lacto-fermenting whole leaves in salt brine for a tangy pickle, or blanching and freezing chopped leaves for soups and stews. For immediate use, Red Express Cos keeps well in ice water for several hours, making it perfect for party preparations. The colorful outer leaves make excellent dehydrated garnishes—dry at 95°F until crisp for a beautiful, edible decoration that retains much of the red coloration.
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 break up soil for shallow lettuce roots, different growth habits complement each other
Radishes
Quick-growing radishes help break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
Marigolds
Repel nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects while attracting beneficial predators
Spinach
Similar growing requirements and harvest times, efficient use of garden space
Nasturtiums
Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, drawing pests away from lettuce
Garlic
Natural fungicide properties help prevent lettuce diseases and repel various pests
Dill
Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on lettuce pests
Keep Apart
Broccoli
Competes for similar nutrients and space, both are heavy nitrogen feeders
Parsley
Can attract carrot flies and competes for nutrients, may stunt lettuce growth
Fennel
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of lettuce and most other 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 bolt resistance and tip burn tolerance
Common Pests
Aphids, flea beetles, cutworms, slugs
Diseases
Downy mildew, lettuce mosaic virus, bacterial leaf spot