With its fluffy white bolls, the classic cotton plant is an intriguing and satisfying addition to a home garden. Cotton farming can be a unique and instructive experience, even though most of us associate it with large-scale agriculture.
This guide covers everything you need to know to grow a successful cotton crop in your backyard, from planting to harvesting.
Table of Contents
Know your Cotton Plant
It helps to know what you’re dealing with before you begin. Gossypium, the cotton plant, is a warm-weather perennial that is typically grown as an annual in most regions. It belongs to the Mallow family, which also includes okra and hibiscus.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cotton Farming
Choosing Your Variety
Although cotton comes in a wide variety, the most popular types for home gardening are:
Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): The most widely grown species, accounting for over 90% of global cotton production.
Sea Island Cotton (Gossypium barbadense): Known for its extra-long fibres, which are highly prized.
Best time for cotton farming
Heat is ideal for cotton when the soil temperature has steadily increased to at least 60–65°F (15–18°C). Cotton plants need a long, warm growing season—at least 150-180 frost-free days—to fully mature and produce bolls.
Preparing the Site and Soil
Sunlight: Cotton requires full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden.
Soil: The ideal soil is sandy loam—well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils that can become waterlogged. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is best.
Seeds Planting
Direct Sowing: Plant seeds straight into the garden bed. Plant them 4–6 inches apart and 1 inch deep.
The remaining plants should be placed 1.5 to 2 feet apart after the seedlings are a few inches tall. As a result, every plant has sufficient space to develop, as well as enough sunlight and airflow.
Do follow appropriate Lady’s Finger gardening
Maintenance and care
Watering: Water consistently, especially during the early growth stages. Once the plants are established, they are quite drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering as this may cause root rot.
Fertilising: When the plants are around a foot tall, an all-purpose, balanced fertiliser can be used.
Harvest
This is the most exciting part!
Timing: Wait until the bolls are fully open and dry.
Method: Simply pull the cotton lint out of the open boll by hand. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant.
Separating the Seeds: The seeds are embedded in the lint. You can remove them by hand, which is a slow but meditative process.
Cotton farming is a truly rewarding experience. It’s an intriguing look at a plant that has influenced human history and a link to the land.
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Also read: Cotton Plant Info For Kids – Teaching Kids How To Grow Cotton