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 a 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Lettuce 'Cos' prefers consistently moist soil. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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
Combine Lettuce 'Cos' with plants that share its preference for consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Lettuce 'Cos'
Plant Sale lists Lettuce 'Cos' as seed and seedlings. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Lettuce 'Cos' seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
