Parris Island Lettuce

Parris Island is a popular variety of Romaine Lettuce, and is recommended for its crispy, flavorful leaves. 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. Lettuce grows best in full sun, though excessive heat can cause plants to bolt to seed, or leaves to wilt. For an early start, seeds can be started in flats 4 weeks prior to the last frost and transplanted outdoors in mid to late spring. If growing in summer, select a partially shaded location, or one that receives primarily eastward exposure to mitigate the potentially damaging effects of excessive heat upon lettuce. Lettuce is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained, cool, loose soil with plentiful moisture and pH 6.2 to 6.8. Sensitive to low pH. Add lime to get the soil to at least 6.0. Direct seed or transplant in early spring, as soon as you can work the soil. To get an early start, prepare beds the previous fall by working in manure or compost and raking smooth to leave a fine seedbed. 

Seeds need light to germinate; sow at a very shallow depth by covering with a thin layer of growing medium. Sow seed 1/8 inch deep, 1 inch apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.  Sow in 1-inch cells 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting outside. Harden seedlings by reducing water and temperature for 3 days before transplanting. Hardened plants should survive 20 F.  Space 6 to 10 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Make succession plantings every week or two, and grow several varieties with different maturity dates for a continuous supply. Moisture, stress, and high temperatures, particularly at night, encourage bolting. As the season progresses, plant more bolt-resistant varieties. Locate plants where they will be partially shaded by taller nearby plants, latticework or other screen. Lettuce has a shallow root system. Keep soil moist to keep plants growing continuously. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds (unless slugs are a problem). Fertilizing can be helpful to promote faster growth, especially a fish emulsion type that is not high in nitrogen that can cause greens to become bitter. Water lightly but consistently. Romaine can be harvested in about 60 to 70 days from planting.

For fall crops, time maturity around time of first expected frost. Mature plants aren't as tolerant of freezing as seedlings.