Romaine Lettuce

Lactuca sativa var. longifolia

vegetable

Romaine, or cos lettuce, forms a tall, upright head of sturdy, elongated leaves with crisp ribs and a sweet, robust flavor, the classic lettuce for Caesar salads. More heat- and bolt-tolerant than tender butterheads, it matures in about 70 to 85 days and holds its quality well in the garden and the refrigerator.

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

• Carrots — Different root depth uses bed space efficiently
• Sweet Alyssum — Low groundcover that attracts aphid-eating hoverflies
• Chives — Onion scent helps deter aphids
• Radishes — Fast trap crop that lures flea beetles away

❌ Keep away from

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

• Aphids →

  Interplant alyssum and herbs to draw hoverflies; inspect leaf undersides

• Slugs →

  Water in the morning so beds dry by night; trap and hand-pick after dark

• Flea beetles →

  Use row cover over seedlings

🌾 Harvest & storage

Pick outer leaves as needed, or cut the whole upright head at the base once it is full and firm, harvesting in the cool morning. Romaine can be cut an inch above the crown to regrow for a second cutting, and it holds longer after harvest than softer lettuces.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Romaine is low in calories and an excellent source of vitamins A and K, with folate, vitamin C, and more nutrients and fiber than paler lettuces, plus a satisfying crunch.