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Lactuca sativa 'Parris Island Cos'

lettuce (Cos) 'Parris Island'

Named after a small island off South Carolina, this heritage variety is a firm favourite due to its crisp, tasty leaves that are delicious in salads and sandwiches. It also boasts good bolt resistance, especially if given a little afternoon shade, and a reasonable resistance to lettuce mosaic virus. This upright variety can grow up to about 30cm tall and can be grown as ‘cut-and-come-again’ or left until a full heart is produced. Sow March – April, harvest June to October.

Synonyms
Lactuca sativa 'Parris Island'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Lactuca can be annuals, biennials, perennials or shrubs, with alternate leaves, milky white sap and daisy-like flowers in white, yellow or blue. The genus includes a wide range of wild plants, as well as species cultivated for their edible leaves (lettuce)

Name status

Accepted

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How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun in moisture-retentive soil. Soil should be reasonably fertile so you can improve soil by adding organic matter, such as well-rotted manure, in the autumn. Lettuces grow best on soil that is close to neutral so if you have very acidic or alkaline soil you may want to consider raised beds, containers or improving the pH of your soil. Water when the soil is dry, ideally early in the morning. Harvest from June until October. See lettuce cultivation for more information.

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to birds, slugs, snails and lettuce root aphid.

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and lettuce downy mildew. Shows some resistance to Lettuce mosaic virus.

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