Ornamental Cotton Care Must-Knows
Cotton thrives in long, hot growing seasons when planted in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Site it in an area that receives at least 8 hours of bright sun a day. If drainage is an issue, plant cotton in a raised bed or container where you can better control soil make-up. In cool climates, start cotton seeds inside 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Plant three seeds in a 4- to 6-inch-diameter pot and water well. After seedlings emerge, water plants regularly and place the pot in a bright, sunny window. Transplant the strongest seedling into a container garden or directly into garden soil as soon as the outdoor soil temperature is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ornamental Cotton Varieties
‘Red Foliated’ cotton
Gossypium hirsutum ‘Red Foliated’ cotton features stems and leaves that are a striking shade of cranberry. Its pink-to-cherry red flowers produce small tufts of white cotton. This variety grows 3 to 4 feet tall.
