Cotton

Agricultural Concerns

It's illegal to grow ornamental cotton in many cotton-producing states. Destructive boll weevils can take up residence and reproduce in a home-garden planting, threatening acres of agricultural cotton grown nearby. If you garden in a cotton-producing state, check with your local extension service before planting ornamental cotton. Some states offer permits for growing cotton in a residential setting.

Ornamental Cotton Care Must-Knows

Cotton thrives in long, hot growing seasons when planted in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Site it in an area that receives at least 8 hours of bright sun a day. If drainage is an issue, plant cotton in a raised bed or container where you can better control soil make-up.

In cool climates, start cotton seeds inside 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Plant three seeds in a 4- to 6-inch-diameter pot and water well. After seedlings emerge, water plants regularly and place the pot in a bright, sunny window. Transplant the strongest seedling into a container garden or directly into garden soil as soon as the outdoor soil temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ornamental Cotton Varieties

'Red Foliated' cotton

Gossypium hirsutum 'Red Foliated' cotton features stems and leaves that are a striking shade of cranberry. Its pink-to-cherry red flowers produce small tufts of white cotton. This variety grows 3 to 4 feet tall.

Plant Cotton with