Tropical and subtropical shrub grown as an annual for the white seed-hair fibre that surrounds the seeds in mature capsules (bolls). Accounts for roughly 90% of world cotton production.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–11 | −12.2 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H2 | 1 °C to 5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 4–7 | 0 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Upland cotton doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Fibre is the seed coat hair (lint) harvested from open bolls and separated from the seed by ginning
- Grown commercially as an annual but is botanically a short-lived perennial shrub in frost-free climates
- Requires a long warm growing season — 180–200 frost-free days is typical, hence its dominance in the southern US, Australian Riverina, Pakistan and India
- Heavy water and pesticide use have driven major environmental concerns in conventional production — organic and integrated-pest-management cottons exist as alternatives
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Upland cotton against your zones