Gossypium hirsutum Plant Care

Gossypium hirsutum (Gossypium hirsutum) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Gossypium genus.

Gossypium hirsutum displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Gossypium hirsutum produces showy, hibiscus-like flowers in white, pink, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Gossypium hirsutum every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Gossypium hirsutum thrives in full sun.

Gossypium hirsutum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Gossypium hirsutum prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Gossypium hirsutum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Gossypium hirsutum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Gossypium hirsutum is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Gossypium hirsutum can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Gossypium hirsutum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Gossypium hirsutum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Gossypium hirsutum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild cotton plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Gossypium hirsutum is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Gossypium hirsutum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Gossypium hirsutum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.