Key Facts
- Warm season fiber crop grown for bolls that contain fluffy lint
- Most widely grown cultivated cotton species worldwide
- Typically grown from seed rather than by vegetative cuttings
- Prefers full sun and well drained soils
- Sensitive to frost and cold temperatures
- Seeds contain gossypol which can be toxic if eaten raw by some animals and humans
- Plant size and habit vary by cultivar and growing conditions
- Used for fiber and processed seed products including oil and meal
Cotton is a warm season fiber crop grown for bolls that contain fluffy lint used for fiber and processed seed products. It prefers full sun and deep, well drained soils and is normally started from seed after frost risk has passed.
Identification
Gossypium hirsutum plants vary by cultivar and management but commonly reach about 2 to 5 ft tall with a similar 2 to 4 ft crown. Flowers appear in summer and into early fall in many regions and are followed by rounded bolls that open to reveal white lint and seed.
Where to grow and best uses
Grow cotton in full sun on deep, well drained loam or other soils that drain freely. It is most often a field crop but can be grown in a home garden for fiber samples or small scale seed and oil production. In USDA zones 8 to 11 plants can persist where there is no frost. In colder areas cotton is grown as an annual that must complete its season before frost.
Planting time and spacing
Sow seed after the last spring frost so plants have a warm season to develop flowers and bolls. Space plants roughly 2 to 4 ft apart to match typical mature spread and to allow air movement. Follow seed packet directions for depth and any cultivar specific recommendations.
Soil and watering
Cotton performs best on fertile soil that drains well. Waterlogged soil reduces growth and raises disease risk. Keep plants evenly supplied with moisture during boll fill to support development while avoiding saturated conditions.
After flowering and harvest
Flowers give way to bolls that mature through the warm months. Harvest open bolls when lint is exposed and dry. In regions with early frost plan planting dates to let bolls mature before cold weather stops growth.
Containment and longevity
Cotton does not behave like a fast spreading invasive in most garden settings. Where frosts do not occur plants can persist beyond one season so remove volunteers and harvest bolls to limit naturalizing. In colder climates plants die or are killed by frost and act as annuals.
Safety and uses of seed
Cottonseed contains gossypol which can be toxic to nonruminant animals and to humans if eaten raw. Processed seed products are treated to reduce gossypol. Handling lint and plant material can cause mild skin or eye irritation in sensitive people. Check local poison control or extension resources for specific safety advice.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Cotton grow?
- Growth rate varies by cultivar and conditions. Many upland types produce a full season crop and reach about 2 to 5 ft tall by the end of the growing season.
- When should I plant Cotton?
- Sow seed after the last frost so plants develop through the warm season and bloom in summer to early fall.
- How far apart are Cotton plants?
- Individual plants commonly occupy a 2 to 4 ft crown so spacing in that range works for home plots and small plantings.
- Can I grow Cotton in containers?
- Cotton is usually grown in the ground. Containers will limit root room and yield so expect smaller plants and reduced boll production.
- Is Cotton toxic to pets?
- Seeds contain gossypol which can be toxic to nonruminant animals. Avoid offering raw seed to pets and consult poison control for specific risks.
- Will Cotton come back next year?
- In frost free USDA zones 8 to 11 plants can persist. In colder zones frost usually kills plants and they are grown as annuals.
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