Cotton Plant: Description, Cultivation, and Fiber Applications (2025)

The cotton plant is a shrubby perennial herbaceous plant within the genus Gossypium of the mallow family, Malvaceae.

Cotton is primarily cultivated for its soft, fluffy fibers, which are used to make various textiles and industrial products.

It's among the oldest agricultural crops and has been cultivated for its natural fiber in the tropical and subtropical climates of the world since prehistoric times (5,000 BC).

Cotton species cultivated for agricultural purposes are indigenous to numerous subtropical regions across the world and were domesticated independently of each other. Presently, cotton is grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and America.

What Cotton Plants Look Like

The cotton (Gossypium) plant is shrubby and consists of a tap root system, an erect main axis stem that has branches, leaves, buds, flowers, and bolls. These plants grow to a height of 1-2 meters.

The leaves are broad and lobed (have 3-5 lobes), are of various shades of green or reddish, and have a velvety texture on the underside. The lobes may be deep or may only be half-cut. A mature leaf is 12-15 cm in length and width.

Gossypium barbadense species has the biggest leaves among cultivated species.

The plant produces large, vibrant, bell-shaped white or yellow flowers that later turn to pink color.

A flower bud matures into a flower in about 25 days on average. Their petals fall off, leaving behind a structure called a boll.

The boll is a distinctive fruit of the cotton plant. Initially, it appears green and spongy, but as it matures, it hardens and turns brown. A boll develops to full size in 25-30 days (about 50 days from bud formation) after flowering, after which it bursts.

The size, shape, and texture of a boll's surface differ greatly among different species. G. hirsutum has the largest boll among cultivated varieties. The size is also dependent on climatic conditions. The shape of a boll ranges from round to oblong and pointed.

Inside each boll are numerous seeds (ranging from 3 to 8), surrounded by the white cotton fibers known as lint, about 6 cm (2.5 inches) long.

The size of seeds varies greatly among different species and varieties.

The Cotton Species

Cotton comprises about 50 species (both wild and cultivated). Of all the species, only four are grown on a commercial scale in the World.

These include:

• Gossypium hirsutum: Also known as upland cotton, this is the most commonly cultivated species of cotton accounting for 90% of the world’s total cotton production. It's native to Mexico and is grown in Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South Florida.
• Gossypium barbadense:Egyptian and Pima cotton are two types of cotton that share the same scientific class. Pima cotton has extra long fibers that are soft and considered the finest in the World. It is native to the tropical part of South America.
  Egyptian cotton is very similar to Pima cotton but it is grown in the Nile River Valley in Egypt.
  Gossypium barbadense accounts for 8% of the Worlds cotton production.
• Gossypium arboreum: This is a woody cotton species, originating in India and Pakistan. It accounts for less than 2% of World cotton production.
• Gossypium herbaceum: This is a cotton species native to South Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It accounts for less than 2% of World cotton production.

Climatic Requirements for Growing Cotton

The Cotton plant thrives in a warm and tropical to subtropical climate, making it well-suited for cultivation in regions with long, hot summers and moderate winters.

For optimum germination of cotton seeds, soil temperature must be at least 15°C (60°F). The ideal temperature range for cotton active growth is between 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F) during the growing season.

Frost is detrimental to the plant, so it requires a long frost-free period of around 160 to 200 days for optimal development.

Adequate sunlight exposure is essential for the plant's photosynthesis and fiber development.

Cotton is relatively drought-tolerant but requires consistent and well-distributed rainfall of about 500 to 1000 mm during its growing period. However, it is important that the plant experiences a dry period before harvest to facilitate boll opening and fiber maturation.

Soil Requirements for Growing Cotton

Cotton thrives best in fertile well-drained, sandy loam to clay loam soils with good water-holding capacity, and a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.

Cotton requires ample amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth, so the soil should be rich in these essential nutrients.

How to Grow and Care for the Cotton Plant

Growing and caring for the Cotton plant requires attention to various stages, from planting to harvesting.

Below are practices involved in growing cotton from planting to harvesting:

Land Preparation

Land preparation for cotton cultivation is done during the drier months of the year well in advance of the planting.

It is advisable to choose a flat land where the soil is deep and well-draining as cotton does not withstand water-logging. The land should also have full sunlight exposure, as cotton thrives in warm and sunny conditions.

The land is then tilled to a fine tilth and a depth of not less than 20 to 25 cm, removing rocks, weeds, and debris.

Planting

Select certified cotton seeds from a reliable source. Choose appropriate cotton varieties based on your climate and region.

Plant the seeds directly in the prepared soil when the temperature reaches a consistent 20°C (68°F) or higher. Cotton is typically planted in spring, after the last frost date.

Planting is done in rows at a distance of about 75-100 cm (30-40 inches) apart. The seeds should be sown at 3-5cm (1-2 inches) deep, 2-4 seeds per hole with a spacing of about 35.5 cm (14 inches) between the holes along the row. The recommended fertilizer is also applied together with seeds and then covered with the soil.

It's recommended to plant following rain instead of just in anticipation of it. Else, irrigation is recommended as seeds won't germinate unless moisture is absorbed into the seed.

Within 36hrs after planting, a pre-emergent herbicide should be applied for weed control.

Under optimum conditions in the field, the germination takes place in about 6-8 days.

Irrigation

Germination, flowering, and boll formation and development are critical stages that require consistent and adequate moisture. Though cotton can be grown with only rainwater, irrigation is preferred for optimal production.

Water the plants regularly (every two weeks) depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid waterlogging and drain away excess water as the crop cannot tolerate water logging, which may lead to root rot.

Fertilization

As with every other crop, fertilizer requirements for cotton varies because every field is different and has different needs.

Therefore, conducting a soil test before planting is necessary to determine nutrient levels and deficiencies.

Apply fertilizer based on the soil test results and follow the recommended rates for your region.

Cotton plants have a higher demand for Nitrogen (N) compared to Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). When soil analysis is unavailable, a suitable option is a N-P-K 20-10-10 fertilizer.

A common approach involves applying 200kg/ha of N-P-K 20-10-10 during sowing and flowering.

Another approach involves spreading 250kg/ha of ammonium nitrate, 181kg/ha of N-P-K 0-46-0, and 181kg/ha of N-P-K 0-0-50 across the year in 8 equal applications.

Some farmers opt for weekly foliar applications of KNO₃ after the first flower appears, combining fertilizers and insecticides for efficiency.

It's essential to conduct soil tests and analysis before deciding on a fertilization approach.

Thinning

After cotton seeds have germinated and are about 10cm (4 inches) tall, about 15-20 days after planting, thinning should be done to get rid of weak plants and retain only two healthy plants at each hill.

This provides more space and nutrients for healthier plants.

Weed Control

Weeds are detrimental to the crop yield due to competition for water, light, and nutrients

Weed the cotton fields regularly, especially during the early stages of growth. Hand weeding or mechanical cultivation can be effective in keeping the fields weed-free. The use of herbicides can also be used to control weeds (but is not recommended after flowering starts).

Pest and Disease Control

Monitor the cotton plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases.

Common pests include aphids, bollworms, cotton stainers, leaf rollers, and whiteflies among others. Implement integrated pest management (IPM) practices, including introducing natural predators, crop rotation, and spraying with appropriate insecticides (that spare beneficial insects).

Common cotton diseases include Boll rot, Angular leaf spot, Damping-off, Wilt, and Anthracnose among others.

The seeds should be treated with any organo-mercurial before planting and spraying the crop with the appropriate fungicides.

Harvesting

Bolls are ready for harvesting in about 45 to 60 days after flowering when they turn brown and crack open, exposing the white cotton fibers.

It takes approximately 4-5 months from planting to the first harvest.

Cotton harvesting is done by hand-picking the mature bolls or using mechanical cotton pickers.

Avoid harvesting when the plants are wet to prevent fiber damage. Stained cotton and trash should also not be harvested as they may lower the quality.

Subsequent picking is done at 15-20 days intervals for a period of four months.

After harvesting, cotton is packed in bags and stored in a clean and dry place before it's taken to the ginnery.

Ginning and Processing

After harvesting, the cotton fibers are separated from the seeds by the use of machines in a process called ginning.

Although cotton has been grown for ages since prehistoric times, it is only after the invention of the cotton ginner that it got widespread use. This is because traditionally, ginning was done by hand.

After ginning, the cotton fibers undergo further processes such as opening, blending, cleaning, carding, combing, and so forth before they are ready for textile applications.

China, India, the United States, Pakistan, and Brazil are the top producers of cotton fiber accounting for 80% of Worlds cotton production.

Cotton Fiber Properties and Applications

Cotton fiber is the most used natural fiber in the world in the textile industry, valued for its excellent properties and comfort.

Cotton fiber properties

Cotton fibers are mainly composed of cellulose, arranged in a ribbon-like structure, which gives them their characteristic softness and flexibility.

They are also absorbent and can hold up to 24-27 times their weight in water, making cotton fabrics comfortable to wear in hot and humid conditions. Cotton clothing allows the skin to breathe and heat to escape naturally.

Cotton is hypoallergenic and does not irritate the skin, making it suitable for sensitive individuals.

Additionally, cotton fibers have good tensile strength and durability, ensuring that cotton-based textiles can withstand frequent washing and wear.

Applications of Cotton fiber

In the textile industry, cotton fibers find a wide range of applications due to their favorable properties.

Cotton is commonly used to produce various types of fabrics, such as cotton lawn, muslin, denim, and twill. These fabrics are popular for making comfortable and breathable clothing, including shirts, t-shirts, dresses, jeans, and underwear among others.

Cotton is also a prevalent choice for bedding and home textiles, like bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, and curtains, due to its absorbent nature and soft feel.

Cotton blends well with other fibers, such as polyester, to create fabrics that combine the advantages of both fibers, resulting in wrinkle-resistant and easy-care clothing.

Moreover, cotton fiber can be further processed into non-woven fabrics for applications like medical and hygiene products, as well as industrial uses such as filters and wipes.

With its wide range of applications and unmatched comfort, cotton remains a staple in the textile industry and an essential part of everyday life for people around the world.

Other commonly grown plants as a source of natural fiber include flax, sisal, jute, hemp, abaca, and ramie.

Applications of Cotton Seeds

Cotton seeds are small, and oval-shaped, and are found within the bolls of the cotton plant. They have a distinct appearance, usually measuring around 6-8 mm in length. They are covered by a tough outer layer known as the seed coat, which protects the inner embryo and nutrient-rich endosperm.

These seeds are utilized in various ways, making them a valuable byproduct of the cotton ginning process.

One of the primary applications of cotton seeds is in the production of cottonseed oil. This oil is commonly extracted from the seeds and is widely used for cooking and frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Additionally, cottonseed oil is employed in the food industry for producing margarine, salad dressings, and other processed foods.

Cottonseed oil also finds applications in industrial settings, such as in the production of soaps, and cosmetics, and even as a feedstock for biodiesel.

Furthermore, cotton seeds are a valuable source of protein and fiber. After oil extraction, the remaining cottonseed meal is utilized as a protein-rich animal feed. The meal is fed to livestock, including cattle, poultry, and fish, contributing to their growth and nutrition.

Cottonseed meal is recognized for its protein content and is often used in combination with other feed ingredients to create balanced and nutritious animal diets.

Beyond these applications, ongoing research is exploring potential uses for cotton seeds in areas like biofuels, nutraceuticals, and even as a source of natural dyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about cotton and their answers:

Is cotton planted every year?

Yes, although cotton is naturally a perennial plant, farmers typically treat it as an annual crop and plant it every year.

The seeds are sown in spring, harvested during fall, and then the field is plowed and plants destroyed.

This is due to practical considerations and agricultural management. The majority of commercially cultivated cotton, such as Gossypium hirsutum, is treated as an annual crop for several reasons:

• Annual cultivation allows farmers to better manage and optimize factors like pest control, disease prevention, and soil health. By replanting each year, farmers can disrupt the lifecycle of pests and diseases, reducing their impact and the need for excessive chemical treatments.
• Annual planting enables farmers to rejuvenate the soil by implementing crop rotation, cover cropping, and other sustainable practices. These practices help maintain soil fertility and minimize the depletion of essential nutrients over time.

Overall, treating cotton as an annual crop provides greater control over production variables and supports more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Can cotton grow in clay soil?

Yes, cotton can grow in clay soil as long as it's well-drained.

Clay soil has fine particles that can lead to poor drainage and limited root penetration, potentially causing waterlogged conditions.

With proper soil management techniques such as improving drainage, amending the soil with organic matter, and selecting suitable cotton varieties, successful cotton cultivation in clay soil is feasible.

Adequate irrigation and careful monitoring are essential to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy growth in such conditions.

What does cotton look like when it is ready to be picked?

When cotton is ready to be picked, it appears as mature bolls that have turned brown and cracked open, exposing the white fluffy cotton fibers within.

Proper timing is crucial, as harvesting at this stage ensures the fibers have reached their full maturity and can be easily separated from the seeds.

Do deer eat cotton plants?

Yes, deer are known to feed on cotton plants, especially when other food sources are scarce.

Cotton plants are not preferred by deer, but in times of limited forage, deer may consume young cotton plants with a preference primarily for the terminal bud.

This can lead to damage and loss in cotton fields, prompting some farmers to implement protective measures to deter deer and minimize potential crop damage.

Later, as the plant grows bigger, their consumption of it will decrease.

Do people still pick cotton?

Yes, people still pick cotton, although the process has become more mechanized over the years.

While traditional hand-picking methods are less common, especially in developed countries, there are regions where manual labor is still employed for cotton harvesting.

However, modern agricultural practices have introduced mechanical cotton pickers and harvesters, which significantly increase efficiency and reduce the need for extensive manual labor in cotton picking.

When was the cotton gin invented and by who?

The cotton gin was invented by Eli Whitney in 1793. It was a revolutionary invention that mechanized the process of separating cotton fibers from the seeds, greatly increasing the efficiency of cotton production and playing a significant role in the growth of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.

Is cotton candy made out of cotton?

No, cotton candy is not made from actual cotton. It is a sugary treat created by heating and liquefying sugar, then spinning it through tiny holes where it solidifies into thin threads that resemble cotton fibers.

The threads are collected to form a fluffy and airy confection that is enjoyed as a sweet and colorful treat at fairs, carnivals, and events.

What is milk cotton yarn?

Milk cotton yarn, also known as milk fiber yarn, is a type of yarn produced from a blend of milk protein fiber and other fibers such as cotton or viscose.

Milk protein fiber is derived from casein, a protein found in milk, through a process that involves extracting the protein, processing it into fibers, and then blending it with other materials to create yarn.

Milk cotton yarn is valued for its softness, smooth texture, and moisture-wicking properties, making it suitable for a variety of textile applications, including clothing, accessories, and baby products.

What is mercerized cotton yarn?

Mercerized cotton yarn is a type of cotton yarn that has undergone a treatment called mercerization to enhance its properties. During the mercerization process, the cotton fibers are treated with a solution of sodium hydroxide and then neutralized with an acid.

This treatment causes the fibers to swell and improve their luster, strength, and dye absorption capabilities.

Mercerized cotton yarn is known for its smooth and shiny appearance, increased durability, and vibrant color retention. It is often used in high-quality textiles and garments, as well as for various crafting and knitting projects.

Why cotton is called the king of fiber?

Cotton is often referred to as the "king of fibers" due to its exceptional qualities and versatile applications. It is valued for its softness, breathability, absorbency, strength, durability, and comfort, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of textile products, from clothing and bedding to industrial materials.

Cotton is the most widely used textile fiber in the world. About 75% of the world's apparel incorporates cotton to some extent.

How are cotton fabrics different from rayon and polyester?

Cotton fabrics, rayon, and polyester differ in composition and characteristics.

Cotton is a natural fiber derived from the cotton plant, known for its breathability, softness, and absorbency.

Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from cellulose, offering a silk-like appearance and drape.

Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from oil products. It is durable, wrinkle-resistant, less breathable, and moisture-wicking.

While cotton is natural and comfortable, rayon mimics luxurious textures, and polyester provides durability and performance features. Each material has distinct qualities that cater to various preferences and applications in the textile industry.