Contents
Description
Gossypium Harknessii, commonly known as Harkness cotton, is a species of cotton plant that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant has a deep root system and a tough stem that supports its weight. The leaves of this plant are arranged alternately, and they are simple, broad, and ovate. The flowers are yellow, and they bloom from June to October. The fruits of the Harkness cotton are capsules that contain seeds covered in white cotton fibers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Gossypium |
Appearance
The Harkness cotton plant has a green stem that is covered in fine hairs. The leaves of this plant are large, with a length of up to 10 cm and a width of up to 8 cm. The leaves are dark green and have a rough texture. The flowers of this plant are yellow and have five petals. They are about 5 cm in diameter and bloom in summer. The fruit of the Harkness cotton is a capsule that is about 3 cm long and contains up to ten seeds. The seeds are covered in white cotton fibers that are about 2 cm long.
Care Guide
Water
The Harkness cotton plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply once a week, and make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
The Harkness cotton plant requires a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and development.
Soil
The Harkness cotton plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too alkaline, add sulfur to lower the pH.
Sunlight
The Harkness cotton plant requires full sun to grow and develop properly. Plant the cotton in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The Harkness cotton plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Harkness cotton plant is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, bollworms, and root rot. To prevent these problems, keep the plant healthy by providing it with proper care and maintenance. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and avoid overwatering the plant to prevent root rot.
Habitat
The Harkness cotton plant is native to Mexico but is also found in other parts of North America, including the southern United States. The plant grows in a wide variety of habitats, including open forests, fields, and disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Harkness cotton be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Harkness cotton can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should Harkness cotton be fertilized?
A: Harkness cotton should be fertilized once a month during the growing season.
Q: Does Harkness cotton require pruning?
A: No, Harkness cotton does not require pruning. However, you can prune the plant to maintain its shape or remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: How long does it take for Harkness cotton to mature?
A: Harkness cotton takes approximately 140 to 160 days to mature from seed.
Related Plants
- Gossypium barbadense
- Gossypium herbaceum
- Gossypium hirsutum
- Gossypium tomentosum
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cotton/growing-cotton-plants.htm
- https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/txpmctn12368.pdf
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/gossypium_harknessii.shtml
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=GOHA
