Lettuce Seeds - Paris White Cos

The Paris White Cos Lettuce is a premium variety of Romaine lettuce, known for its crisp texture, mild flavor, and elegant white color. This classic lettuce variety is perfect for those who appreciate the hearty crunch of Romaine with a slightly sweeter, more delicate taste. With its long, white stalks and tender green leaves, Paris White Cos is an excellent addition to both home gardens and market gardens. Its versatility in the kitchen and ease of growth make it a favorite for both beginner and seasoned gardeners.

Key Benefits

• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Paris White Cos offers a light, sweet flavor with a crisp, tender texture that makes it ideal for fresh salads and other dishes.
• Elegant Appearance: Features long, white stalks with light green leaves, creating a visually appealing and classic Romaine-style lettuce.
• Cold-Tolerant: Thrives in cooler temperatures, making it suitable for early spring or fall planting in various climates.
• Perfect for Market Gardens: With its attractive appearance and high yield, it’s an excellent choice for market gardeners looking for a premium Romaine lettuce variety.
• Versatile in the Kitchen: Ideal for salads, wraps, sandwiches, and garnishes, adding a fresh, crunchy element to various dishes.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Paris White Cos Lettuce has long, cylindrical heads with a crisp, pale-white stalk and bright green outer leaves. The compact, upright growth habit makes it easy to harvest.
• Flavor Profile: A mild, sweet flavor with a crisp and tender texture that adds freshness to any dish.
• Growth Habit: Grows in a tight, upright rosette, producing tall heads with firm, crunchy leaves. The white stalks are particularly tender and flavorful.
• Size: Typically grows 12–18 inches tall, with leaves reaching up to 8 inches in length when fully mature.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Planting Time: Best planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Paris White Cos Lettuce thrives in cool temperatures, making it perfect for spring and fall planting.
• Temperature: Grows best in temperatures between 55°F–75°F (13°C–24°C), and can tolerate cooler temperatures.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-drained, loose soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 8–10 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart to allow the plants ample room to grow.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Enriching the soil with compost will help promote strong growth.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun to grow best, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially during warmer months.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce typically needs about 1 inch of water per week to maintain healthy growth.
• Water deeply to encourage strong roots and provide moisture to the leaves, particularly in hot weather.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at planting to support healthy growth.
• You can supplement with additional compost or organic fertilizer when the plants reach about 4–6 inches tall for continued growth.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds around the plants to ensure they are not competing for water and nutrients.
• Use mulch to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Aphids, slugs, and snails may target lettuce. Control them organically using methods like neem oil or diatomaceous earth.
• Diseases: Watch for fungal diseases such as downy mildew and leaf spot. To reduce the risk, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Paris White Cos Lettuce is typically ready to harvest in 55–70 days, depending on growing conditions.
• Size: Harvest when the heads are fully mature, typically when they reach 12–18 inches in height, and the leaves are crisp and tender.
• Method: Cut the whole head at the base, or harvest outer leaves as the plant continues to grow.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store harvested lettuce in the refrigerator in a perforated plastic bag or container for up to a week.
• Long-Term: Lettuce can be frozen, but its texture will change. For best results, use it in cooked dishes after freezing.

Culinary Uses

• Salads: Ideal for fresh, crunchy salads, adding a sweet and tender flavor.
• Wraps and Sandwiches: Use as a wrap for sandwiches or as a crunchy addition to wraps.
• Garnishes: Adds a crisp texture and mild flavor when used as a garnish for soups, stews, or roasted vegetables.
• Smoothies: Blend the tender leaves into green smoothies for an extra nutritional boost.

Conclusion

Paris White Cos Lettuce is a highly attractive and versatile Romaine lettuce variety that brings both flavor and visual appeal to your garden and kitchen. With its crisp texture, mild sweetness, and cold tolerance, it's perfect for cool-season gardening and makes an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, and more. Whether you're a beginner gardener or an experienced grower, Paris White Cos Lettuce is sure to provide a bountiful and delicious harvest.