Romaine lettuce

Family 

Asteraceae

Origin 

Italy

Description 

Romaine or cos lettuce is a variety of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) that grows in a tall head of sturdy leaves with firm ribs down their centers. Unlike most lettuces, it is tolerant of heat.

Environment

Cos Lettuce needs part sun & loamy soil. Lettuce prefers soil that is high in humus, with plenty of compost and a steady supply of nitrogen to keep if growing fast. Use organic compost or a slow-release fertilizer.

Before you plant your lettuce seeds, make sure the soil is prepared. It should be loose and drain well so it™s moist without staying soggy. To keep the soil fertile, feed it with organic matter about one week before you seed or transplant. Since the seed is so small, a well-tilled seedbed is essential. Large clods will reduce germination.

Plant 8 inches apart. rows of plants should be 12 to 15 inches across. Cover the seeds with ¼ to ½ inch of soil

Consider planting rows of chives or garlic between your lettuce to control aphids. 

Because lettuce grows quickly, the best approach is to plant a small amount at a time, staggering your plantings. 

 Plant your broccoli where it will get least 6 hours of sun daily and has fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of organic matter.

The right pH and the organic matter help ensure that nutrients, particularly essential micronutrients like boron, are readily available. A boron deficiency can cause broccoli to develop hollow stems, but adding too much is toxic to plants

Broccoli is a moderately heavy feeder, so work in two to four inches of rich compost or a thin layer of well-aged manure before planting.

Landscape Use

Containers, Small Vegetable Garden