Cotton
Gossypium hirsutum · Malvaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cotton: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Gossypium hirsutum
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer to fall
- Mature size
- 4.9 to 6.6 feet tall
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive (32 to 50°F minimum)
- Origin
- Central and South America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, fertile
Care
Light exposure
Cotton plants demand direct sunlight exposure for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. This heat-loving plant fears shaded areas that slow its growth and reduce flowering. Place it in a warm, sheltered spot away from cold winds.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in fall and allow a period of relative rest in winter. Avoid standing water, which encourages root rot.
Soil and repotting
Prefer rich, well-structured, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of potting soil, compost, and coarse sand works perfectly. Repot in spring if you're growing the plant in a container.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 days during the growing season. Choose a formula slightly rich in potassium to promote flowering and cotton pod formation. Stop feeding in fall and winter.
Pruning and training
Light pruning in late winter encourages branching. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. In temperate climates, expect less abundant flowering than in tropical regions.
Pests and diseases
Watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites in dry conditions. Excess humidity can cause leaf spots or rot. Good drainage and sufficient air circulation help limit these problems.
Did you know?
The cotton plant revolutionized the global economy from the 17th century onward, becoming the most widely used textile fiber. Its flowers are spectacular and ephemeral, changing color within hours: yellow in the morning, they turn pink-red and then brown-red by late afternoon before dropping. In agriculture, this demanding plant long required intensive manual cotton harvesting, transforming the social and political history of cotton-growing regions.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.