Variety Information: Upright growth with medium green, slightly savoyed (crinkled) leaves, crisp ribs, and buttery-green heart. ‘Parris Island Cos’ is a romaine-type lettuce developed around 1950 by Clemson University, and named after Parris Island in South Carolina.
How tall does Parris Island lettuce grow?
12″
Given space and time to grow to full size, Parris Island forms huge heads up to 30cm (12″) tall, but even at this crazy size, the leaves are tender and succulent, with mild flavour. Dating back to 1952, this heirloom lettuce is named after the actual Parris Island off the coast of South Carolina.
How do you plant Parris Island Cos lettuce?
Growing Parris Island cos is no different than growing any lettuce plant. Seeds can be sown directly in the garden and will mature in about 65 to 70 days. They should be planted in rows set about 36 inches (91 cm.) apart and thinned so that plants are no closer than 12 inches (31 cm.)
How does Parris Island Cos grow?
How can you tell when lettuce is ready to pick?
You’ll know when to harvest lettuce leaves when they grow to about 3 to 6 inches long, depending on the variety. Keep harvesting the leaves until the lettuce plant “bolts.” This means that plant has turned its energy to producing flowers and seeds and leaves usually become bitter-tasting with tough stems.
When should I harvest my lettuce?
Most lettuce can be harvested between 30 to 70 days after planting. When to harvest lettuce depends on the variety and what it will be used for. Really, timing is based on individual preference. Once your lettuce reaches the size you want, it’s ready!
Is Parris Island Cos heat tolerant?
Today, it is celebrated as a reliable heirloom lettuce and is a favorite romaine lettuce (also called cos) in the southeastern U.S. where it can be grown in fall, winter, and spring. It can be slow to bolt in the heat of summer if given a little afternoon shade and daily irrigation.
Can you harvest lettuce a few leaves at a time?
long, you can begin harvesting leaf lettuce. Simply snip either single outer leaves or grab a bunch of them and cut them with shears or scissors an inch (2.5 cm.) above the crown of the plant. Again, leaf lettuce may be picked any time after leaves form, but before the plant bolts (forms seed stalk).
What is Parris Island Cos lettuce?
Not only does it offer a long growing season, Parris Island cos lettuce also reportedly has the highest nutritional values of any lettuce. Parris Island lettuce is a romaine variety with dark green leaves and a cream to white heart. It forms vase-shaped heads which can grow up to 12 inches (31 cm.) tall.
How far apart do you plant Parris Island lettuce?
Parris Island was first developed in the late 1940s, and is named for the region in southern South Carolina. Space plants 6″ apart, with 12″ between rows. Lettuce grows best in full sun, though excessive heat can cause plants to bolt to seed, or leaves to wilt.
Can you plant different varieties of lettuce in succession?
You can also plant different varieties of lettuce in succession for a longer season of harvesting fresh leaves and heads. One excellent lettuce to try in the garden for a long harvest is Parris Island cos lettuce.
How long does it take for Parris Island to grow?
At maturity (typically 70-75 days), the leaves can reach heights of 10″ or so, with a dark outer coloring and white heart lower down the head. Parris Island was first developed in the late 1940s, and is named for the region in southern South Carolina. Space plants 6″ apart, with 12″ between rows.
