How to Grow a Cotton Bush

Contact your local extension agent to check whether your state produces cotton as a cash crop or participates in the boll weevil eradication program. It is illegal for homeowners to grow cotton in those states, according to the Gardens Alive website, which notes that some of the states will make an exception if you obtain a special permit.

Have your soil tested for nutrients and the presence of nematodes. Cotton requires high nutrient availability and a pH of 6.2 to 6.5, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Select a variety of cotton seed. When grown in an agricultural setting, cotton varieties are usually selected for their ability to produce, but you can choose yours based on plant height, appearance and which plants may perform best in your region or soil. Use treated seed and you will not need to apply fungicides or additional treatments when you plant.

Plant your cotton in the spring. Generally, planting occurs during the weeks of mid-April to mid-May; but if you’re planting a single bush or group of shrubs for ornamental use, the exact timing of your planting is less important as planting dates primarily affect yield.

Wait for soil temperatures to exceed 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures can slow the growth of or kill the seeds and seedlings. A soil temperature of 86 degrees is ideal for cotton and encourages rapid germination. Cotton struggles to grow in cold and wet conditions.

Plant your seeds 1/2- to 1-1/2 inches deep, planting more shallowly in sandy or crusty soil. Use four to six seeds per foot and give your plants full sun as they need consistent warmth.

Apply a starter solution of fertilizer at the time of planting and give them a fertilizer high in nitrogen just prior to blooming, two to three weeks after the first blooms appear then monthly afterward. Use a foliar spray to provide micronutrients only if you see signs of deficiency in your plants.