How to Grow Ornamental Cotton

Select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Be sure the area is free of large trees, plants or buildings that may cast a shadow on your seedlings.

Till the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches and remove any large rocks or other debris. Rake the soil flat with a garden rake to remove any weeds or roots. You may wish to create a raised row by raking soil into a mound, but it isn't absolutely necessary.

Mark the row with the edge of the hoe or a stick. You may wish to run garden twine between two stakes to create a straight row. Space rows 30 inches apart from the center of the rows. If you are simply growing one or two plants for decorative purposes, be sure to leave 30 inches between the cotton plant and other plants.

Amend the soil with a generous amount of compost and mix in well. Water throughly to provide a deep irrigation. Check the soil to make sure it is moist to a depth of 5 to 6 inches.

Plant the seeds to a depth of 1 inch and 4 inches apart, once the soil has warmed. The soil is ready when it measures 55 to 60 degrees at a depth of 6 inches for 3 consecutive days. Be sure to measure the soil temperature in the morning to get an accurate measurement of temperature throughout the night.

Watch for germination in about 14 days.

Water only if needed for the first few weeks. Wilted plants indicate the need for more water. If the plants look healthy and show signs of new growth, then don't worry if they soil seems dry. Cotton likes dry soil so be careful not to over water.

Harvest cotton in the fall after the leaves have dried and dropped off the plant and the cotton bolls have split open.