Cotton, Levant cotton, Arabian cotton, Indian cotton
Gossypium herbaceum
🌿 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
Cotton fibers are used for textiles, wicking, and mulch. The seeds yield cottonseed oil used in cooking, and the seed cake is a valuable animal feed. The plant can be used as a green manure or cover crop. Certain cultivars have colored fibers, reducing the need for dyeing.
Permapeople description
A species of cotton native to Africa and Arabia. It is known for its short fibers.
Botanical description
Gossypium herbaceum is an annual or short-lived perennial shrub in the Malvaceae family, typically reaching 1 to 2 meters in height. It has a strong taproot and branching stem. The leaves are broad, palmate, and lobed. The flowers are showy, with creamy white or yellowish petals, often with a purple spot at the base. After pollination, the flowers develop into a boll, which contains the cotton fibers surrounding the seeds. These fibers are unicellular hairs that elongate to several centimeters. The plant is adapted to warm climates with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Companion planting
Cotton benefits from companion planting with legumes like beans or cowpeas, which fix nitrogen in the soil. Avoid planting near plants susceptible to similar pests and diseases, such as okra and hibiscus.
Propagation methods
Cotton is typically propagated by seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground after the last frost or started indoors and transplanted later. Cuttings are also possible, although less common.
History and traditions
Cotton cultivation dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its use in ancient India and Africa. It was a major crop in the Levant and Arabian regions, and its cultivation spread throughout the world. Cotton has been used for clothing, bedding, and other textiles for centuries. In various cultures, cotton fibers and plant parts have been used in traditional medicine for wound healing and other ailments.
Usage calendar
Sowing: Spring after last frost. Flowering: Summer. Harvesting: Autumn when bolls are fully open. Pruning: Not typically pruned as an annual, but perennials can be pruned in late winter.