Tree Cotton
Gossypium arboreum
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Pl. 25D4 — Gossypium arboreum
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IOverview
Overview
Tree Cotton (Gossypium arboreum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to India and Sri Lanka. Known for its light requirements of full sun and preference for moist soil, it thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can grow up to 5 meters tall. This plant is notable for its edible leaves and seeds, making it a valuable resource in the regions where it grows. One distinctive feature of Tree Cotton is its ability to adapt to different soil conditions while still requiring adequate moisture, which sets it apart from other cotton species that are more commonly associated with drier environments.
Quick answers
What is Tree Cotton?
Tree Cotton (Gossypium arboreum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to India and Sri Lanka. Known for its light requirements of full sun and preference for moist soil, it thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can grow up to 5 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tree Cotton thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to a height of 5 meters and is hardy in temperate regions with zones 10-12. For propagation, use seeds directly sown into the garden bed after the last frost. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist during growth. The edible parts include leaves and seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Tree Cotton for the first time
8steps
Start with Tree Cotton as a simple, low-maintenance project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Place in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune branches for shape and size control. Harvest leaves and seeds as needed for use in crafts or cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting sun exposure, not providing enough support for the plant's height.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 26 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 26 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 2 native· 26 introduced
Asia9 regions
native (2)IndiaSri Lanka
introduced (7)BangladeshChinaIndiaTaiwanThailandVietnamYemen
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)CubaPuerto Rico
Africa12 regions
introduced (12)AngolaBeninChadEthiopiaGabonGhanaMaliNigeriaSudanTanzaniaTogoUganda
Broader regions
introduced:East Himalaya, Leeward Is., St.Helena, Trinidad-Tobago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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