How to Grow Cotton: Conversation-Piece Plant for Garden and Patio

How to Grow Cotton

Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum) is a perennial grown as annual (rotation reduces disease). Long season required. Yellow flowers at ~45 days; withered flowers form “bolls” that split open to reveal real fluffy cotton. Up to 5 feet tall. Great conversation piece in garden or large (12+ inch) patio pots.

Propagation

Sow seeds directly or indoors 4–6 weeks early (warm soil 65–70°F; heat mat). Cover ¼ inch. Transplant after 65°F nights. Space 12–15 inches. Germinates 7–14 days.

How to Grow Cotton

• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained.
• Water: Keep moist, not wet. Deep watering.
• Fertilizer: Heavy feeder—compost/manure at planting; high-potassium regularly.
• Containers: 12+ inch pot, sun, regular water, weekly liquid feed.

Harvest

Bolls mature 120–180 days. Pick when split open.

Pests & Diseases

Boll weevils—insecticides. Diseases in wet weather—rotate crops, fungicide in humidity.