Cotton Plant

Before the cotton bolls are produced on the plant, there are beautiful, hibiscus-like blossoms in late summer.

The boll contains the fibers and seeds, which are ready for harvesting when the boll opens in fall.

Cotton is grown in warm climates around the world, including most southern states and California.

Growing Cotton Plants Outdoors

Grow cotton in full sun with protection from damaging winds. Plant cotton when the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees, well past any danger of frost.

Till the soil well to remove weeds. Provide nutrient rich soil by working coarse sand and organic compost into at least the top six inches of soil.

If starting with established nursery plants, place them 18 inches apart in rows two to three feet apart. Plant them as deep in the soil as they are in their pots.

Water deeply about once a week, letting the top two inches of soil dry out before watering again.

To grow from seed, wait until the soil is above 60 degrees. Seeds require warmth for germination and a long period to reach maturity.

For this reason, cotton should only be grown in warm regions with long growing seasons of 120 to 160 days with temperatures above 65 degrees.

Moisten the soil, place three seeds about an inch deep, with four to five inches between groups, and cover with soil.

In about a week, the seeds will germinate. Do not water when the seeds are first planted, but wait about a month. Then, water the seedlings lightly until they grow, then water weekly during summer.

In about two months, buds for the beautiful flowers will appear. Once the flower buds first appear, the plants should be examined carefully.

This is when thrips and boll weevils attack. Treat the plants with appropriate pesticides to prevent infestations.

If you experience an unexpectedly wet season, pick the bolls before they rot. Shake off the excess water and place them on a sunny windowsill indoors, turning daily until they pop open.

Growing a Cotton Plant Indoors

You can grow a cotton plant indoors, and move it to a sunny outdoor area in summer. Place three or four seeds in each of several four-inch pots of moist soil.

Cover with a sheet of plastic wrap until the seedling appears. Pluck out all but the healthiest and strongest seedling from each pot, or repot all healthy seedlings into their own pots.

When they develop two sets of leaves, transplant them into larger pots. Water them well and fertilize. A tomato fertilizer works well.

While they acclimate to these new pots, keep them out of full sun. Water weekly, more if needed outdoors, and bring back inside in early fall.

If evening temperatures start to drop earlier, bring them indoors overnight. The bolls can be hand picked and seeds harvested.

If spider mites appear, the plant should be treated with an insecticidal soap. The potted plant is a beautiful addition to a patio or indoor space.

Growing cotton plants is fun. It is a unique and unexpected plant for the home gardener, whether in the landscape or as a house or patio plant.