Cotton (upland cotton) Gossypium hirsutum
Cotton (upland cotton) (Gossypium hirsutum) is an annual shrub in the Malvaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 12 °C (54 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Cotton (upland cotton) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cotton (upland cotton) at a glance
| Type | Annual shrub |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.8–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 12 °C (54 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 7–10 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 160 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇷 Argentina |
Is Cotton (upland cotton) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds
Raw cottonseed contains gossypol, toxic to pets and other non-ruminant animals.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cotton (upland cotton)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Cotton (upland cotton)
- How far apart should I plant Cotton (upland cotton)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Cotton (upland cotton) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cotton (upland cotton) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cotton (upland cotton)?
- It tolerates about 12 °C (54 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Cotton (upland cotton) flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 7–10 weeks.
- Is Cotton (upland cotton) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Raw cottonseed contains gossypol, toxic to pets and other non-ruminant animals.
- What grows well with Cotton (upland cotton)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cotton (upland cotton). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- A perennial shrub grown as an annual field crop: cream flowers turn pink, then bolls split open to show the white fibre.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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