Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Upland cotton on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Malvaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Upland cotton
Gossypium hirsutum, commonly known as Upland Cotton, is an annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous or subshrubby plant, prized for its fluffy white fibers surrounding the seeds. It typically grows 1 to 2 meters tall, featuring lobed leaves and pale cream or yellow flowers that mature into bolls, which open to reveal the cotton. It is ideal for educational gardens, natural fiber themed landscapes, or as an exhibition plant in warm regions.
Native range
Tropical and subtropical Americas, including the Southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Care tips
It requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) and a warm, frost-free climate for optimal growth and cotton production. The soil should be deep, fertile, well-drained, and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH; watering should be regular and abundant during active growth and boll formation, reducing it once the bolls begin to open. Avoid waterlogging, as it is susceptible to root rot, and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
How to save a dying Upland cotton
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft stems, bud or flower drop.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture, move to partial shade, prune damaged parts, apply fungicide if mold.
- What kills it
- Overwatering (root rot), lack of sunlight, uncontrolled pests (aphids, spider mites).
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Eliminate the stress cause and provide proper care.