Cotton Growing Guide
Gossypium hirsutum
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Rich soil enriched with plenty of compost.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Cannot tolerate frost.
Feeding
Mix a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil before planting cotton. In midsummer when flowering begins, topdress with more fertiliser or drench with a liquid plant food.
Spacing
Single Plants: 60cm (1' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 45cm (1' 5") with 1.00m (3' 3") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow directly when the soil is warm. In cooler climates start seed indoors and transplant out after the last frost, being careful not to disturb the roots. Water very well before planting.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Cotton thrives on heat, but does not respond well to overwatering. In cool climates, grow individual cotton plants in large, dark-coloured containers to increase root warmth.
Harvesting
Harvest after bolls split open, during a period of dry weather. Cut cotton on long stems and dry in bunches, like herbs.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Cotton