Gossypium hirsutum ( Mexican Cotton ) is an annual plant that is native to Central America and the Caribbean. Mexican Cotton is one of the world’s most cultivated cash crops and is the main species that produces cotton fibre and cottonseed. At home, Cotton is grown for their edible seeds which have a nutty flavour and for their attractive white flowers.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical, Tropical climates.
Cotton seeds contain up to 40% protein, have a nutty flavour and is eaten as a snack. Some forms of this species seeds contain a toxin called gossypol which should be removed prior to eating. Recipes such as casseroles and soups include cotton seeds.
Cotton fibres have a wide range of applications. They are used to make clothes, stuffing for pillows, cushions, surgical dressings, carpets and ropes.
Also commonly known as Upland Cotton and Sea Island Cotton.
Growth
Gossypium hirsutum is an annual shrub that grows to 2 metres (6 feet). Mexican 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.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
15°C to 40°C / 59 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, good drainage.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Average of up to 2 metres (6 feet)
WIDTH:
Average of up to 60 cm (2 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium-High
POLLINATION:
Self pollinating.
MATURITY:
6-9 months
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 8-10
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Room Storage at 10-25°C. 6-12 months.
FACTS ABOUT GOSSYPIUM HIRSUTUM (Mexican Cotton)
Cotton holds up to 27 times its own weight in water.
Each cotton boll contains 25-50 seeds.
The United States paper currency is a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen.
Some evidence suggests that Mexican Cotton was cultivated as far back as 3500 BC in Mexico.
