Pima cotton (Gossypium barbadense)
Care, watering, light and tips for Pima 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 Pima cotton
Gossypium barbadense, also known as 'Sea Island' cotton, is a perennial shrub belonging to the Malvaceae family, valued for its extra-long staple and high-quality cotton fibers. Its palmate leaves and showy flowers, ranging from yellow to cream, make it attractive not only for its fiber but also as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is ideal for low hedges or as a specimen plant where its blooming and the formation of its cotton bolls can be appreciated.
Native range
Tropical and subtropical America
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and fiber production, at least 6-8 hours daily. Watering should be regular and consistent during the growing season, avoiding waterlogging, but ensuring the substrate remains moist. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is insufficient space and pruning, which can reduce fiber quality and overall plant health.
How to save a dying Pima cotton
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish, droopy leaves, general wilting, premature shedding of buds and bolls.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture (avoid waterlogging). Ensure good ventilation and full sun. Protect from strong winds and cold.
- What kills it
- Extreme over or under-watering. Insufficient light or prolonged shade. Low temperatures or frost. Poor soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the cause is corrected quickly and damage isn't irreversible. It's resilient with basic care.