Description

Classic Elegance, Crisp Perfection in Upright Form

Paris White Cos is romaine at its most refined: tall, upright, and beautifully symmetrical, like a small piece of garden architecture. Heads grow 8 to 10 inches high with pale green outer leaves that wrap and protect a luminous white heart. The texture is crisp and sturdy with a clean, fresh flavour and a subtle sweetness. It is the kind of lettuce that makes even a simple salad feel composed.

This heirloom traces back to 19th-century Paris, when French horticulturists were celebrated for turning everyday vegetables into something quietly exquisite. Selected for its upright form and exceptionally bright, blanched heart, Paris White Cos carried French market-garden elegance across the Atlantic and has been grown in Canadian gardens for generations. This is because it’s beautiful, reliable, and timeless.

Why Grow Paris White Cos?

• Striking upright heads: Tall, slender romaine (8 to 10″) with a compact base
• Luminous white heart: Naturally protected inner leaves that stay crisp and sweet
• Clean, classic flavour: Fresh, subtly sweet, never overpowering
• Sturdy texture: Holds up to dressings and hearty toppings
• Space-efficient: Upright habit suits intensive plantings
• Longer harvest window: Relatively slow to bolt for a romaine

Growing Instructions

Days to Maturity: 60 to 70 days from transplant (add 4 to 6 weeks for seed starting)

When to Plant:

• Start 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost indoors, or
• Direct sow 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost
• Succession sow for extended harvests

Sowing: Lettuce seeds need light to germinate. Sow on the surface of moist mix (or barely cover). Keep evenly moist. Germination is typically 5 to 10 days.

Spacing: Transplant or thin to 8 to 10 inches apart.

Sun: Full sun is ideal; partial shade helps in hot spells.

Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost.

Water: Consistent moisture is key for crisp, sweet heads. Mulch helps keep soil cool and evenly moist.

Feeding: Light to moderate feeder. Use a balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks, or a slow-release fertilizer at planting.

Harvest: Cut whole heads at soil level when firm and well-formed. Harvest in the morning for the crispest leaves. If you leave the base intact, you may get smaller side shoots.

Culinary Notes

Paris White Cos is made for dishes where crunch and structure matter.

• Classic Caesar: Sturdy leaves stay crisp under creamy dressing
• Wedge-style salads: Halve lengthwise for a dramatic, elegant presentation
• Composed plates: A clean, crisp base for roasted vegetables, cheeses, nuts, or grilled meats
• Grilled or braised: Brief heat softens the outer leaves while the heart stays sweet and structured

Canadian Climate Notes

Paris White Cos thrives in cool weather, making it a natural fit for Canadian spring and fall gardens.

• Spring: Start early for early-summer harvests
• Summer: More bolt-resistant than many lettuces; provide afternoon shade in heat
• Fall: Cool nights bring the crispest texture and sweetest hearts

Hardiness Zones

3 to 11 (grown as a cool-season annual; best below 24