An upright, crisp-leaved lettuce with sweet, sturdy hearts, the classic choice for Caesar salads. Quick and easy, tolerating heat better than soft types.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 30 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Lettuce 'Cos'
Botanically, Lactuca sativa 'Cos' is an fast-growing edible plant in the Asteraceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Lettuce 'Cos'
Lettuce 'Cos' suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Lettuce 'Cos' does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Lettuce 'Cos' is consistently moist soil. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Lettuce 'Cos' in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Lettuce 'Cos' in the garden
Lettuce 'Cos' earns its place for edible harvests and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Lettuce 'Cos' with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Lettuce 'Cos'
Plant Sale lists Lettuce 'Cos' as seed and seedlings. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Lettuce 'Cos' seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.