How to Plant and Grow Parris Island Cos Lettuce

How to Plant and Grow Parris Island Cos Lettuce Lactuca sativa ‘Parris Island Cos’

If you could combine all the good features of modern lettuce cultivars and all the awesome characteristics of heirloom cultivars, you’d get something like ‘Parris Island Cos.’

This cultivar has the tight heads, disease- and bolt-resistance of modern plants, coupled with crisp, sweet leaves, and delicate white hearts of some heirlooms.

The heads grow large, up to a foot tall, but don’t become tough or bitter despite their size.

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This cultivar is resistant to bolting and can tolerate some drought and plenty of heat, all while forming flavorful heads made up of perfectly cupped leaves.

Looking for one of the best romaine options out there? You found it. This guide will explain everything you should know about growing this stellar cultivar.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

Before we get our hands dirty, it helps to know a bit about where this plant comes from, and that’s what we’ll discuss first.

‘Parris Island Cos’ is the child of ‘PI 120965’ and ‘Dark Green Cos,’ the latter of which is known for its dark green, sweet, mild leaves that are perfect in Caesar salads.

It was bred by Clemson College’s Agricultural Experiment Station in 1951 in Charleston, South Carolina, to thrive in the heat and humidity of the southern climate; and was released by Ferry Morse in the same year.

It’s a romaine-type that was named for Parris Island in South Carolina, and “cos” is another name for romaine.

Sometimes, this cultivar is just listed as ‘Parris Island.’ Don’t worry if the “cos” is lacking, it’s still the same glorious