The cotton tree, also known as Gossypium hirsutum, produces the material we all know and love as cotton.
It is a shrub belonging to the mallow family, which is the same as the hollyhock and hibiscus. The tree is native to the Middle East, but has spread to all corners of the planet. Although its natural habitats are in subtropical and tropical areas. There are around 50 species.
Cotton is one of the most versatile materials on the planet and is used in a wide range of products, from clothing and bedding to towels and even some food items.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the cotton tree and its many uses and applications. We will also provide you with information on basic care at home and in the garden.
Characteristics of the cotton tree
This cotton tree (Gossypium hirsutum), is the most common of the species and supplies 90% of the world's needs.
Its growth can vary, but it generally reaches 1,50 meters in height.
Its branches produce flowers and fruits. It has large cup-shaped yellow or white flowers. which appear in July and are followed by a kind of capsule that contains cotton containing fibers and seeds.
Cotton fibers can be found in the natural state in white, brown, green, or a combination of the three colors.
Care
Light and temperature
Cotton thrives in warm, sunny climates. It needs to be in a frost-free location to grow. The ideal temperature ranges between 25°C and 35°C. Requires full sun for optimal growth. Place the plant in a location where it can receive 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Land
Prefers rich in organic matter and with a slightly acid pH and well drained. Avoid placing it in clay soils that retain too much moisture.
Irrigation
During germination and early growth, Cotton needs regular watering to keep the soil moist.
Once the plant is established, it is important to reduce the frequency of watering, but make sure it receives enough water during flowering and capsule formation. Waterlogging should be avoided.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizers during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients. Nitrogen is important for leaf growth, phosphorus for flowering and potassium for capsule development.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential, but you can prune the side branches. to promote more compact growth and improve ventilation. Remove weeds as they compete for nutrients.
Plagues and diseases
Cotton is susceptible to various pests, such as aphids, mites and worms. It can also be affected by fungal diseases.
The best way to prevent pests is to regularly inspect trees for signs of damage and cut and remove affected branches.
To control pests, organically certified pesticides and beneficial insects can be used. It is important to consult a professional before using any product on the cotton tree, since some can be harmful to the tree and the environment.
In addition to pests, cotton trees can also suffer from fungal diseases. These can be difficult to control, especially in areas with high humidity.
The best way to prevent fungal infections is to keep the area around the tree clean and free of debris. fungicides They can also be used to control the spread of infection.
Growing cotton in the interior
Cotton trees can be grown from seeds or cuttings. CWhen growing from seed, it is important to select a variety well adapted to your area's climate.
You can plant the seeds in pots by placing two or three seeds at a depth of 3 to 4 cm in a pot and adding peat. Place the pot in a sunny place near the window and It must be at a temperature of between 18 and 20 degrees.
You have to water the pots every two days to keep the seeds moist at all times. When the plant begins to grow you should transplant it to 30 cm diameter pots, Fill the pots with compost and place them outdoors in full sun, in a place where there is no heavy rainfall.
When temperatures are cooler, bring them indoors and place them in a sunny window. Add liquid fertilizer with high potassium content once a week.
The yellow flowers grow within 45 days after sowing, then the flowers wither, capsules form which open and They form a fluffy cotton approximately 150 days after sowing.
Growing in the garden
It is a plant that does not tolerate frost. It needs a lot of sun, warm conditions between 4 and 5 months of frost-free temperature. to produce cotton.
First, remove all weeds from the ground where you are going to place it, Add compost to the soil to carry all the nutrients the cotton plant needs.
When the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached 16°C you can plant the cotton seeds.
You should water the plant approximately once a week if the leaves show signs of drying out. It is important to water more frequently during the summer months.
Feed the plants with some granular liquid fertilizer such as rose food, and follow the instructions on the label. After 45 days of sowing, the large yellow flowers appear, which wither and form buds.
You have to stop watering 16 to 18 weeks after sowing when the capsules have already formed. so that the plant can begin to dry out, lose its leaves, and the capsules can open to form the spongy ball.
Uses of cotton tree
The main use of the cotton tree is cotton production. To harvest cotton, the tree must first be planted and cultivated. Once mature, it flowers and produces seed pods containing cotton. It is used to make various products such as:
- Textiles: The main use of cotton is the production of textile fibres. These fibres are used to make a wide range of products, such as clothing, bedding, towels and industrial fabrics.
- Seed oil: Cotton seeds contain an edible oil that is used in the food industry. It is also used in the production of cosmetics and other products.
- Animal feed: Cottonseed meal is used as livestock feed.
- Medical uses: To treat various conditions including menstrual cramps and irregular bleeding. To cure gastrointestinal disorders, hemorrhages, diarrhea, nausea, fevers and headaches.
- Other uses: Cotton is used in the production of pulp, paper and other industrial products.
The cotton tree is an incredibly versatile plant with many uses and applications. It can be grown and harvested for its cotton, or used as an ornamental tree in the home and garden.
Cotton trees require relatively little care, but it is important to be on the lookout for pests and diseases. If you give it the care it needs, the cotton tree will provide you with abundant fruit for a long time.
For you to enjoy!