Pennsylvania cotton!

(York, Pa.)

Pennsylvania, cotton: Quite by accident,I had purchased some cotton while touring the south. I was going to use the bolls, to make craft projects, particularly angel Christmas tree ornaments.

A few of the bolls were not so pretty, and I disposed of them at edge of backyard flower garden.

Never having seen a cotton plant when it was in leaf and flowering I saw this unusual shaped leaf and memory of disposing of the bolls made me think that perhaps it was cotton.

Much enjoyment, watching the progress of the plant, I transplanted it to a full sun location and now, the bolls are splitting but our winter season is here so not sure if the cotton will become fluffy or not. But it was fun watching the growing process.

I hope to have a few plants next summer. The flowers are pretty, and created much interest, among family and friends.

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Oct 19, 2013
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Bucks County Cotton
by: Carin Froehlich

My story is similar to yours. My husbands family has farmed in Bucks County for 80 some years and as we all know it is a hobby in these days not a living.

My son Hans bought the seeds for me and I started them in the house in January. I planted them out doors in May and now they are fully mature. I have gotten a few cotton balls which the grand kids loved.

We have not gotten our first heavy frost yet and I am seriously thinking of trying to build a green house around the plants so I can keep them.

I have no idea if they are perennial on our land?

Where are the seeds in the pods? I would like to grow a larger crop next year. I think for our area this was the hottest summer on record and wonder if we get a cooler or wet season if cotton would survive here.

Any of your advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Carin, cotton is only a perennial if it is grown in a warm, tropical area. It prefers hot summers with a low humidity and plenty of sunshine.

So if you want to plant more cotton plants, then you will need to think about digging up your existing plants once the winter has past. New cotton seed can be planted in the spring, after the frosts have passed.

As for the seeds, these are found inside the cotton boll, along with the cotton. The seeds themselves are about the size of a bean and very difficult to remove from the cotton boll in great numbers.

Happy pickin'

Regards
Kathryn

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