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Lettuce · Lactuca sativa 'Paris Island Cos'

Paris Island Cos

Paris Island Cos: 66-75 days to harvest, 7-10 days to germinate, 8-10 inches between plants, pH 6.0-7.0, hardy in zones 2-11. Fruit runs to about 10-12 inch tall heads. Give it full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours) and 1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture water. It will crop in a container.

Lettuce
66-75days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z2–11USDA zones
Easy to Moderatedifficulty
HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow in early spring and late summer. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water
1-1.5 inches per week, consistent moisture
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with good organic content
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
8-10 inches
Height
6-12 inches
Season
Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Dark green outer leaves with pale green to white hearts
Size
10-12 inch tall heads
Shape
Upright, elongated heads with tightly packed leaves
Flavour
Crisp, crunchy, and mildly sweet with slight bitterness in outer leaves

In the kitchen

Caesar salads, grilling, wraps, chopped salads

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Aphids, cabbage worms, slugs, thrips
Diseases
Tipburn, downy mildew, lettuce drop, bottom rot
Resistance
Good heat tolerance and bolt resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
1——June – JulyAugust – September
2——May – JulyJuly – September
3——May – JuneJuly – October
4——April – JuneJuly – October
5——April – MayJune – November
6——April – MayJune – November
7——March – MayMay – November
8——March – AprilMay – December
9——February – MarchApril – December
10——January – MarchMarch – December
11——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
12——January – FebruaryFebruary – December
13——January – FebruaryFebruary – December

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and improves lettuce flavor while providing natural pest deterrent
MarigoldsRepels nematodes, aphids, and other harmful insects that damage lettuce
CarrotsGrows well in similar soil conditions and helps break up soil for lettuce roots
RadishesQuick-growing companion that helps break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs full space
NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting lettuce
DillAttracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that control lettuce pests
SpinachSimilar growing requirements and can be interplanted for efficient space usage
GarlicRepels aphids, slugs, and other pests that commonly attack lettuce

Avoid

BroccoliCompetes heavily for nitrogen and can shade out lettuce with its large leaves
SunflowersProduces allelopathic compounds that inhibit lettuce germination and growth
Walnut TreesReleases juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to lettuce and most vegetables

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Protein (g)
0.742
Fat (g)
0.0738
Carbohydrate (g)
3.37
Vitamin K (µg)
20.5
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.0401
Calcium (mg)
14.2
Iron (mg)
0.0332
Magnesium (mg)
6.31
Phosphorus (mg)
19.2
Potassium (mg)
139
Zinc (mg)
0.173
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Where to buy seed and equipment

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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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