Gossypium arboreum ( Tree Cotton ) is a tropical shrub that is native to India and Pakistan. Tree Cotton is one of four species that is used to commercially grow Cotton. It enjoys warm, humid conditions and grows as a perennial.
Suitable for Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Cotton seeds contain high amounts of oil and is used as a substitute for Olive Oil.
Cotton fibres have a wide range of applications. They are used to make clothes, stuffing for pillows, cushions, surgical dressings, carpets and ropes.
Compare with Mexican Cotton or click here to view our full range of shrubs.
Growth
Gossypium arboreum is a perennial shrub that grows to 2 metres (6 feet) high and up to 60cm (2 feet) wide. Tree Cotton enjoys long periods of hot temperatures in full sun, followed by a dry period that improves harvesting conditions. The shrub also requires a lot of watering to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out, especially over the summer period. A position that protects the plants from strong winds is also recommended.
White flowers start to bloom during the middle of summer which calls on additional water and fertilization.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 40°C / 50 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, good drainage.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Protect from strong winds.
HEIGHT:
Average of up to 2 metres (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Average of up to 60 cm (2 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium-High
POLLINATION:
Self pollinating.
MATURITY:
18-24 months
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 3-5
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT GOSSYPIUM ARBOREUM (Tree Cotton)
Cotton can hold up to 27 times its own weight in water.
The floss contained in the seedpods can be used to make clothing, cushions, ropes, carpets and for the wicks of oil lamps.
A thread from Mehrgarh in Pakistan that was used to string copper beads is said to be dated to 5000 BC.
One of Tree Cotton’s relatives, the Mexican Cotton is an annual grown commercially in the United States. Some suggest the perennial nature of Tree Cotton produces a better quality fibre.
For more information regarding Tree Cotton please click here.
