Sea Island cotton, Pima cotton, Egyptian cotton, Creole cotton
Gossypium barbadense
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Gossypium barbadense is primarily cultivated for its exceptionally long and fine cotton fibers, highly valued in textiles. The seed can be processed for oil, which is edible but often used industrially. The leftover seed cake after oil extraction can be used as animal feed or soil amendment. In permaculture, it can be integrated into fiber production systems and used as a nitrogen-fixing green manure if incorporated into the soil. Some cultivars may have resistance to specific pests or diseases, enhancing their utility in sustainable agricultural systems.
Permapeople description
Gossypium barbadense, also known as extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, is a plant species that yields cotton with unusually long, strong fibers.
Botanical description
Gossypium barbadense is a perennial shrub or small tree typically growing to 3-6 feet, but can reach 10-15 feet in warmer climates. It features deeply lobed, palmate leaves and large, showy, hibiscus-like flowers that are usually yellow, but can also be pink or white, often with a purple spot at the base of the petals. The fruit is a boll containing seeds covered in long, silky fibers. It is characterized by its extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, with fiber lengths ranging from 1 3/8 inches to over 2 inches. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained soil.
Companion planting
Good companions include plants that benefit from shade or provide ground cover to suppress weeds. Legumes can fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting cotton growth. Avoid planting near plants that are susceptible to the same pests and diseases, such as okra or tomatoes, which can share similar pest problems like aphids and bollworms.
Propagation methods
Gossypium barbadense is primarily propagated by seed. Seeds should be sown in warm soil after the last frost. Cuttings can also be used, although this method is less common and requires specific conditions to be successful.
History and traditions
Gossypium barbadense originated in South America, specifically in the Andean region. It was cultivated in pre-Columbian times and later spread to the Caribbean, Egypt, and the United States. Historically, Sea Island cotton from the West Indies was highly prized for its exceptional quality and softness. Egyptian cotton became famous for its use in fine textiles. In some traditional cultures, parts of the plant have been used medicinally, though this is not as common as its fiber uses.
Usage calendar
Flowering typically occurs from summer to fall (June-October). The bolls mature and are harvested from late fall to winter (October-December). Planting seeds should take place in spring (April-May) after the last frost. Pruning, if necessary, is done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins (February-March).