Levant cotton | Exotic seeds

Indian cotton seeds – an exotic hobby at home

Indian cotton is a perennial plant reaching up to 80 cm in height. Suitable for growing in containers, on terraces, balconies, and in conservatories. From summer to autumn, large cream-yellow or pink bell-shaped flowers appear on the plants. After flowering, the decorative value is provided by white, pompom-like, woolly fruiting heads. Cut shoots together with the fruiting heads are used in dried bouquets. Sow from February to May, 2–3 seeds per 6–8 cm diameter pot or into trays. At temperatures above 20°C, emergence occurs after 7–14 days. Pinch seedlings at the 4–5 leaf stage to encourage branching. Grow in a sunny location in fertile substrate.

What should you know before sowing Indian cotton?

When deciding to grow any plant in your own garden, it is worth first familiarizing yourself with its specifics. Ornamental flowers need different conditions than, for example, vegetables. Exotic plants deserve special attention. The Indian cotton discussed grows to 60–80 centimeters. It can be grown in containers, on terraces, balconies, and in conservatories. Importantly, it should be sown from February to May, and it blooms from June to October. During this period, large pink or cream-yellow flowers appear, and after flowering, white, fluffy fruiting heads.

How to sow and how to care for Indian cotton?

Growing Indian cotton is not complicated, but a few rules should be remembered. First of all, it is best to sow from February to May. You will need pots with a diameter of 6–8 centimeters, into which you should place 2–3 seeds, with the pointed end facing downward. It is also important that they are placed at a depth of about 1.5 centimeters and misted after sowing.

If Indian cotton is grown at a temperature exceeding 20°C, seedlings will emerge after about 7–14 days. To encourage branching, it is important to pinch the seedlings at the 4–5 leaf stage. It is also very important to grow cotton in fertile substrate in a well-sunlit place. It should also be remembered that the plant is sensitive to frost, so it can be grown at temperatures not lower than 15–18°C. Frequent feeding of the cotton during the growing season is also necessary.