Sea Island Cotton
Gossypium barbadensefam. Malvaceae
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Pl. 65FD — Gossypium barbadense
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Island Cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is a tree or shrub native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Known for its light requirements of full sun and preference for moist, well-draining soil, this plant thrives in environments with a hardiness range of 10-12. The cotton's leaves and seeds are edible, making it both an ornamental and useful crop. Medicinal uses have also been documented, highlighting its versatility. One distinctive feature is its height of up to 3 meters, while another notable characteristic is its native habitat in the tropical regions of South America.
Quick answers
What is Sea Island Cotton?
Sea Island Cotton (Gossypium barbadense) is a tree or shrub native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Known for its light requirements of full sun and preference for moist, well-draining soil, this plant thrives in environments with a hardiness range of 10-12.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Skin Soother
skintincture
Historically used for skin conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Island Cotton thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It grows well as a tree or shrub to 3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions with zones 10-12. Propagate via seeds for edible leaves and seed parts. Ensure the plant has consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and prefers light soil that drains well.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree, Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Island Cotton for the first time
8steps
Start with Sea Island Cotton as a simple, light-loving tree for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, potting mix, containers if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 20°C.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil with plenty of sand for good aeration. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant to outdoor containers once they have several leaves and warm weather.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy. Fertilize lightly every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead branches as needed. Harvest leaves for culinary use when young and tender.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:FiberoilWeaving materialtextilesCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 27 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 27 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 3 native· 27 introduced
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)BangladeshCambodiaChina
Americas7 regions
native (3)ColombiaEcuadorPeru
introduced (4)BahamasBelizeDominican RepublicFrench Guiana
Africa8 regions
introduced (8)BeninCameroonChadEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuinea
Broader regions
introduced:Ascension, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil West-Central, Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Chile Central, Chile North, Christmas I., Cook Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Malvaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Malvaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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