Gossypium hirsutum
TAXONOMY
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusGossypium
Zone8
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Gossypium hirsutum, commonly known as upland cotton, is a shrub native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and southern Florida. It is the most widely planted species of cotton in the world. The plant thrives in seasonally dry tropical climates and has a dormancy period during the cooler months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
American Cotton
Bourbon Cotton
Cotton
Upland Cotton
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD2,250
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Gossypium hirsutum requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and moderate humidity levels. Water the plant when the soil is almost completely dry, and ensure it has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.Harvest
Gossypium hirsutum, commonly known as upland cotton, is typically ready for harvest about 150 days after planting. The harvest period usually occurs in late summer to early fall when the bolls have fully matured and burst open, revealing the cotton fibers. Harvesting is often done mechanically using cotton pickers or strippers, but it can also be done by hand in smaller operations. It is crucial to ensure that the bolls are fully open and dry to avoid damage to the fibers. Post-harvest, the cotton must be ginned to separate the seeds from the fibers.Soil
The plant prefers well-draining loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support its nutrient needs.Repotting
Repot the plant every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has drainage holes. Repot during the early growing season for best results.Propagation
Gossypium hirsutum can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Sow seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them warm and moist until they germinate. Cuttings can be taken during the growing season and rooted in a suitable medium.Pruning
Prune the plant to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape it. Pruning should be done during the dormant period to encourage healthy growth in the next season.Toxicity
Gossypium hirsutum is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it is always advisable to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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