Bath Island Cos Lettuce

Latuca sativa

Approximately ~ 200 seeds per packet

Germination 95%  Packed for 2025

Bath Island Cos Lettuce is a variety of Romaine lettuce, known for its long, sturdy leaves and crisp texture. The leaves are a rich green color and grow upright, forming dense, tightly packed heads. This variety has a slightly sweet, mild flavor and is often prized for its crunch, making it an ideal choice for salads and sandwiches. The leaves tend to be more robust than other Romaine varieties, and Bath Island Cos Lettuce has a strong resistance to bolting, which makes it reliable for longer growing seasons. It's also fairly heat-tolerant compared to some other types of lettuce.

Its compact, upright form makes it a good option for smaller garden spaces, and it thrives in cooler weather but can handle warmer temperatures better than some other lettuce varieties.

Growing Tips:

Growing Cos lettuce, including varieties like Bath Island Cos, is relatively straightforward and can be done in both garden beds and containers.

First choose the right location. Select a spot with full sunlight (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) for optimal growth. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost to improve its texture and fertility.

Soil preparation is essential. Lettuce prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve fertility. If growing in containers, use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix.

Sow Cos lettuce seeds directly into the soil after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep, spaced 1-2 inches apart. For rows, space them about 12-18 inches apart to allow room for the plants to grow.

Lettuce needs consistent moisture, especially when establishing roots. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.  Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Drip irrigation or watering at the base of the plants is ideal.

Thinning and spacing your seedling is important. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out to ensure they have enough space to grow. For individual plants, leave 12-18 inches between them. You can harvest thinned seedlings for a smaller harvest of baby greens.

Fertilize every 3-4 weeks with a balanced, organic fertilizer or compost tea to encourage healthy leaf growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to overly leafy growth and reduced flavor.  Remember to keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, slugs, and snails. Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary. Lettuce is prone to diseases like downy mildew, so ensure proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding plants.

Cos lettuce prefers cooler weather, between 55-75°F (13-24°C). If the weather gets too hot, the lettuce may bolt (flower and go to seed), making the leaves bitter. During hot summer months, you may need to provide some shade to protect the plants from the intense sun.

You can start harvesting your Bath Island Cos Lettuce when the leaves are big enough to eat. Wait 25 days for them to leaf and 65 days for the lettuce to form a good head. For a full head, wait until it forms a dense, upright shape. Harvest outer leaves first for "cut-and-come-again" harvesting, or pull up the whole plant for a full harvest once it matures. For the best flavor, harvest in the cooler part of the day, such as early morning or late evening.