Upland Cotton

What you'll need:

Upland cotton seeds (you can find them at some specialty gardening stores or online)

A large pot or a sunny spot in your garden

Light, well-draining soil (cotton likes sandy soil; if yours is too heavy, mix in some sand)

Some general-purpose fertilizer (a balanced one works fine)

When to start:

Cotton loves warmth, so it’s best to plant when the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F (15°C). In most areas, this means starting in late spring or early summer. If you live in a cooler climate, you might want to start indoors and then move the plants outside once it warms up.

Finding a good spot:

Upland cotton thrives in full sun—aim for a place that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Whether you’re planting in pots or the ground, make sure the area has good drainage because cotton doesn’t like soggy roots!

Tip: Cotton plants grow tall (up to 4-5 feet), so give them enough space—about 2-3 feet apart—if you're planting in the ground.

If you're planting seeds:

1. Fill your pot or prepare your garden bed with loose, sandy soil.
2. Plant the cotton seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil.
3. Space each seed about 4-6 inches apart if you're using pots, or 2-3 feet apart if you're planting directly in the ground.
4. Water the soil lightly after planting to help settle the seeds in.
5. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged while waiting for the seeds to sprout, which usually takes 7-14 days if the soil is warm enough.

If you're transplanting seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
3. Cover the roots with soil and gently pat it down around the base of the plant.
4. Water thoroughly right after planting to help the roots settle into their new home.

Tip: If you started the seeds indoors, harden off the young plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before transplanting them outside.

Watering:

• Cotton plants like consistent moisture, especially during the early growth stages. Water them deeply once or twice a week rather than giving them a little water every day.
• Once the plants are established (after a couple of months), they can handle drier conditions, but don't let the soil get completely dry for long periods.

Feeding time:

• Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to keep your cotton healthy. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for how much to use.
• Too much nitrogen can cause the plant to focus more on leaf growth than cotton production, so don't overdo it!

Sunlight and temperature:

• Cotton loves heat and sunlight! Keep your plants in a spot where they’ll get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• If temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C) for long periods, consider covering the plants with a light cloth or moving potted plants indoors temporarily.

Pruning:

• As the plant grows taller, you may notice side shoots (called "suckers") growing in the leaf joints. You can pinch these off to encourage the plant to put more energy into producing cotton rather than extra leaves.
• Also, remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant healthy and reduce the risk of pests.

Tip: Cotton plants can grow quite tall, so if they start leaning, you can stake them for support.

When to harvest your cotton:

• After flowering, cotton bolls will form and take about 45-60 days to mature.
• You’ll know the cotton is ready to harvest when the bolls crack open and you can see the fluffy white cotton fibers inside.
• The bolls should feel dry to the touch, and the cotton fibers will be easy to pull out.

How to harvest:

• Simply pick the open bolls by hand. Be careful not to damage the plant as it may still produce more cotton bolls later.
• Collect the cotton in a basket or bag, and try to remove any large pieces of the boll casing as you go.

After harvesting:

• Once harvested, spread the cotton out in a dry, airy place to ensure it's fully dried before storing.
• If you're curious, you can try spinning the fibers into thread or using them for craft projects!
• At the end of the season, you can pull up the entire plant once it stops producing.

Tip: Cotton plants can sometimes produce multiple rounds of bolls throughout the season, so keep checking back for more harvests!

Q: My cotton plant is growing tall but not producing many flowers or cotton bolls. What’s wrong?

A: This could be due to too much nitrogen in the soil, which encourages leafy growth over flowering. Try using a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus to promote flower and cotton production.

Q: Can I grow cotton indoors?

A: Yes, but it’s tricky! Cotton needs lots of sunlight, so if you have a very sunny window or grow lights, it might work. However, indoor plants may not produce as much cotton as those grown outdoors in full sun.

Q: Why are my cotton bolls dropping before they open?

A: This could be caused by uneven watering—either too much or too little. Make sure you're watering consistently and that the soil drains well. Stress from sudden temperature changes can also cause bolls to drop.

Q: Do I need to worry about pests or diseases with cotton?

A: Cotton isn’t overly prone to many pests, but watch out for aphids and spider mites, especially if the plant is stressed. If you notice any pests, spray the plant with water or an insecticidal soap to get rid of them.

Q: How long does it take for cotton to grow?

A: From seed to harvest, cotton typically takes about 130-160 days. So, patience is key! Once the flowers appear, it usually takes another 6 weeks or so for the bolls to mature and open.