Hi ,

i'm starting a small garden and cotton is one plant i always wanted, i was wondering if i should germinate the cotton seeds or just put them in the dirt? I look forward to any advice... thanks in advance!!!

Do you live in a climate that cotton will grow in? If so, just stick the seeds in the dirt - the soil needs to be warm to your touch.

You can start them inside (use a heat mat) early but don't plant them out until the air temperature stays above about 65. They are extremely cold sensitive - hot caps would be good.

Cotton plants are perennial but, even grown as an annual, will get 4 - 5 feet tall. Did you get ones with colored bolls?

First check to be sure it is legal for you to grow cotton where you live. I live in Savannah, Georgia and I am not permitted to grow cotton (without a permit from the Department of Agriculture).

Its not legal in California either but if you plant it in the backyard, who is going to notice? I always grew cotton when my kids were growing up (in California).