This year I am growing red beauty Cotton. Since it's related to Hibiscus thought I'd share photos.

I've always wanted to try cotton, but unfortunately, it's illegal here.

I tried a red-leafed cotton and a brown cotton. Unfortunately they are still in the 4" pots I seeded them in. However, here's what I picked this week:

If the seeds are viable, those will replace what I planted, and there's 3 more pods maturing.

DraDians... how rewarding that must be to pick cotton. The colors are beautiful and look as soft as bunnies. Congrats on growing your very own cotton. What have you decided to use your home grown cotton for?

I'll likely just quit buying cotton balls at the store, and use my own. I will plant them in the ground or in 30 gallon containers next year. I grew too many plants this year, before getting holes dug or pots prepared. I'm thrilled to get enough seed to keep them going, under the circumstances.

Is your cotton fit to use as cotton balls? I always thought cotton had to go through a lot of processing before it could be used for much.

Karen,
Looks to me like it just needs the seeds cut out of it. I don't use cotton balls for anything that has to be sterile. The seeds are great for coaxing laying hens to lay eggs most of the winter.

That's good to know! I might have to grow some cotton too.

Where do you get your cotton seed, Diana? I know a lot of cotton is still grown in Az but I've never seen the seed for sale.

Karen,
@bmoore59 offered them in the 2019 VALentines seed swap here on NGA. She may be able to give you her source(s).

Thanks, Diana, I'll check with her.

plantmanager said:Where do you get your cotton seed, Diana? I know a lot of cotton is still grown in Az but I've never seen the seed for sale.

If you are looking for traditional cotton that has been grown in the US since the beginning look for Upland Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. It's also the cotton that responsible for about 90% of the world cotton production.

http://www.reimerseeds.com/whi...

Jay! I'll look into that too.

@DraDiana the natural cotton looks great, the seeds would be in the middle of the cotton fluff.

I'm still waiting for my pods to open.

I did a search and found that the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange has a few nifty heirloom varieties.