Kalura Cos

Family: Asteraceae Vegetable

Crisp as fresh-cut glass, Kalura Cos forms tall, elegant heads with a tender, sweet snap and a clean, lightly buttery flavor.

The leaves are deep green and beautifully elongated, with a sturdy midrib that holds its shape for satisfying bite and effortless serving. Ideal for gardeners who want a reliable Romaine—excellent for fresh salads and also for grilling, braising, and vibrant sauces where its texture stays pleasantly crisp.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 60 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 17th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	60
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Surface
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Kalura Cos gives you that romaine-style crunch—sweet, lightly buttery, and built around a midrib that stays grippable rather than collapsing. If you grill or braise it, it gets char-kissed at the edges without turning mushy, which is the whole trick.

Best Uses

classic wedge salad with a bold, creamy dressing
grilling or hot-searing for smoky edges while keeping the core crunchy
braise into quick potage where the midrib structure holds
tossed into herb-forward green salads for texture that doesn’t wilt fast

Flavor Profile

tender sweet snap clean, lightly buttery finish crisp bite with a sturdy midrib

Kitchen Pairings

bacon lemon parmesan garlic olive oil anchovy

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Lactuca sativa (kalura cos), and how do I manage it?

Look for aphids and slugs on young leaves; aphids cluster on tender growth and slugs chew holes, especially in humid weather. Spray an insecticidal soap for aphids and hand-remove slugs at dusk, then reduce hiding spots by keeping the bed weed-free and lightly mulched but not soggy. Also watch for downy mildew/botrytis (gray mold): avoid wetting the leaves, water at the soil line, and space plants to improve airflow.

How often should I water kalura cos during its main growing phase?

During the 40–60 day main leaf-growth period, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per week total, adjusted for heat and soil type. Water deeply 2–3 times per week rather than frequent light sprinkling, and stop after heads are fully formed to reduce rot risk. If leaves wilt in the afternoon, increase watering frequency slightly while still maintaining good drainage.

How can I tell when Lactuca sativa (kalura cos) is ready to harvest?

Harvest at around 60 days when the plant forms a firm, upright cos head with crisp, well-developed outer leaves and the core feels solid when gently pressed. If it bolts (stems elongate and leaves become bitter), harvest immediately before quality drops. For best flavor, cut early in the morning and cool promptly.