My cotton plants are flowering. At first I wasn’t sure whether the new buds were more leaves; but they’re not, they’re housing some quietly emerging flowers.
They’re already hosting some round black bugs I couldn’t quite identify. Here’s hoping they don’t do any significant harm. The Internet is right: cotton’s worth growing just for the flowers. I love the hint of color, the delicate rumpling of the petals.
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August 3, 2008 at 12:56 pm
perennial gardener
Gorgeous bloom, I didn’t realize that the Cotton plant had a pretty flower. Thanks for sharing.
August 3, 2008 at 1:46 pm
jason
Those flowers are really neat. I’ve enjoyed reading about your garden this year though your blog, and am really glad that you like the feverfew!
August 3, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Jenny
I looked at the plant again today and found that it’s got two flowers, one yellow and one pink, which is exciting.
Thanks again for the feverfew, Jason!
August 4, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Jen
Lovely! It actually reminds me of my okra’s flowers.
August 5, 2008 at 12:02 am
inadvertentgardener
Those are so gorgeous — I don’t think I’ve ever seen cotton flowers before. Thanks for sharing the pics!
August 5, 2008 at 3:01 am
Jenny
I’ve never seen a cotton plant flower. It looks lovely. Is it the flower that transforms into the cotton that’s picked?
August 5, 2008 at 8:56 am
Jenny
Jen – really? I’ll have to check out okra sometime. I’ve never eaten it, so haven’t been keen on growing it yet, but it’s only a matter of time. 🙂
Genie – you’re welcome!
Jenny – the cotton comes after the flower; it’s what the plant makes to surround its seed, like the flesh of a fruit (only easier to spin). Cotton is self-pollinating so I’m hoping I’ll start seeing the cotton bolls come in soon.
August 5, 2008 at 9:31 am
JLB
Oh WOW! I definitely need to give this a try next year!