Also known as American Cotton · American Upland Cotton · Bourbon Cotton
Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the most widely cultivated cotton species, known for its fluffy white fibers used globally in textiles and its role in agriculture.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fiber production.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and boll development. Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm Climate
75% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures between 21-30°C. Sensitive to frost; plant after all danger of frost has passed.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Heavy Feeder
75% intensity
Fertilize at planting and again at first bloom. Supplement with nitrogen during growth, but avoid over-fertilization.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
The seeds of Gossypium hirsutum contain gossypol, a toxic polyphenolic compound. Ingestion of raw seeds can cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and in large quantities, more severe health issues in humans and animals.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Upland cotton requires consistent moisture, especially during its flowering and boll development stages. Water deeply when the top 5-7 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly once bolls begin to mature to prevent splitting.
Pruning is generally not necessary for Upland cotton grown for fiber.
However, if grown as an ornamental or to manage size in containers, light pruning can be done after the main flowering period to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth.
Remove any dead or diseased branches promptly.
Upland cotton is typically propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 15°C. Seeds germinate best in warm soil.
Spacing depends on variety and growing conditions, but typically 30-60 cm apart.
Repotting is not a standard practice for Upland cotton as it is usually grown as an annual crop in the ground. If grown in containers for ornamental purposes, choose a large pot with good drainage.
Repotting would only be necessary if the plant outgrows its container significantly.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Upland Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
7 known issues from plant disease data
Bacterial blight on Cotton causes tiny water-soaked angular leaf spots that turn black, spread along veins, and can trigger early leaf drop.
Fusarium wilt on Cotton causes wilting and yellowing, often between veins, with stunting and dark brown discoloration in lower stems and taproots.
Verticillium wilt on Cotton causes interveinal yellowing and wilt, then brown dead leaves, defoliation, and dark vascular staining in stems.
Seedling disease on Cotton causes seed decay or weak seedlings with water-soaked or reddish stem lesions that girdle plants and kill them early.
Target spot on Cotton causes large brown leaf spots with concentric rings, starting in the lower canopy and leading to heavy defoliation.
Cotton root rot on Cotton causes circular patches of suddenly wilted plants whose leaves dry, turn brown, stay attached, and die quickly.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Gossypium |
| Species | Gossypium hirsutum |
Similar in genus Gossypium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
