Named after Parris Island off the South Carolina coast, this beloved heirloom romaine was introduced in 1952 and has been a favorite for generations, particularly along the Eastern Seaboard where it originated. The variety produces tall, uniform heads reaching 10-12 inches high with crisp, sweet leaves that form the perfect upright shape. With its compact 8-10 inch spread and quick growth, you can harvest baby leaves in as little as 21 days or wait for full heads in 45-68 days depending on your preferred size.
Partial Sun
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12in H x 10in W
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Moderate
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This classic romaine stands out for its reliably uniform growth and exceptional versatility in the kitchen. The tall, sturdy leaves create natural boats perfect for wraps, dips, and dressings, while the crisp texture and sweet flavor make it equally delicious in traditional Caesar salads. Its compact size makes it ideal for container growing, and the quick maturation time allows for successive plantings throughout the cool season.
The tall, uniform leaves of Parris Island Cos are prized for their versatility in the kitchen, creating perfect natural boats for lettuce wraps, serving dips, and holding dressings. The crisp texture and sweet flavor make it exceptional for Caesar salads and other traditional romaine preparations, while the sturdy leaves hold up beautifully in sandwiches and grain bowls without wilting.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date, or during summer when soil temperatures are too warm (above 80°F) for direct germination. Seeds germinate at soil temperatures as low as 40°F.
Transplant seedlings 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date when soil temperature reaches at least 40°F. Space transplants 10 inches apart in all directions.
Sow seeds directly in the garden 2-4 weeks before your average last frost date when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 60-70°F. Make successive sowings every 3 weeks until 4-6 weeks before your first fall frost.
Begin harvesting baby leaves as early as 21 days after sowing, or allow heads to fully develop over 45-68 days for maximum size and crispness. Cut the entire head at the base when leaves are full-sized and before the plant begins to bolt, typically when heads reach 10-12 inches tall and feel firm to the touch.
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“Parris Island Cos Romaine carries the legacy of South Carolina's coastal growing region, where it was introduced in 1952. This heirloom variety quickly became a treasured cultivar along the Eastern Seaboard, passed down through generations of gardeners who prized its reliable performance and distinctive flavor. The variety takes its name from the famous Marine Corps training installation, reflecting its strong, dependable character that has made it a staple in American gardens for over seven decades.”