How to Grow Foxfibre Pima Cotton
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Foxfibre Pima Cotton
Gossypium barbadense
vegetableFoxfibre is a naturally colored cotton variety developed through selective breeding, producing fiber in shades of brown and green without chemical dyes. Unlike conventional white cotton, Foxfibre retains its color through the life of the plant and maintains vibrancy through washing and wear. This heirloom variety is prized by sustainable textile artisans and home spinners.
When should you plant Foxfibre Pima Cotton in your zone?
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Example Foxfibre Pima Cotton timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Foxfibre Pima Cotton
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Foxfibre Pima Cotton
Around Sep 24≈ 160 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Foxfibre Pima Cotton dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-10b; requires 160-200 frost-free days and warm soil temperatures
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Get my Foxfibre Pima Cotton timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with oval cotyledons. True leaves develop in characteristic cotton shape (3-lobed). Growth is slow initially until soil is warm enough
Maintain warm soil (65-75°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing early. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from frost if necessary
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with increasingly lobed leaves. Stem hardens and branches form lateral shoots. Plant height reaches 3-5 feet depending on variety and conditions
Monitor for early pest pressures (aphids, spider mites). Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves. Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation
Flowering
4-6 weeks, staggered bloomingCreamy or pale yellow flowers appear in leaf axils, often with reddish center. Flowers last only one day, opening in morning and closing by evening. Flower production is prolific
Maintain consistent watering during flowering. Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive vegetative growth at expense of bolls. Continue pest monitoring. Hand-pollinate if bee activity is low
Boll Development & Maturation
6-8 weeksFlower petals fall away and tiny green bolls form. Bolls swell over 3-4 weeks. The characteristic brown or green color becomes visible as boll matures. Bolls harden and dry
Reduce watering as bolls mature to concentrate fiber quality and color intensity. Stop fertilizing. Remove any diseased bolls immediately. The colored fiber develops its final hue during this stage
Harvest Readiness
Varies by plant; typically 2-4 weeks of harvest window per plantBolls burst open naturally, revealing fluffy, colored fiber (brown or green depending on variety). Fiber is ready when bolls open fully and fibers appear dry and light
Monitor bolls daily once they begin opening. Harvest fiber when bolls split completely. Store harvested fiber in cool, dry location away from moisture and pests
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick larvae from bolls when visible; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray in early instar stage; encourage natural predators like parasitic wasps
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Spray with strong water to dislodge; use neem oil or sulfur; maintain adequate humidity; encourage predatory mites
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Blast with water; use insecticidal soap; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; neem oil applications
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Row covers on young plants; neem oil or kaolin clay spray; encourage beneficial insects
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Yellow sticky traps; neem oil; encourage natural predators; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
Uses
Natural-dyed fiber arts & textiles
CraftFoxfibre cotton eliminates the need for synthetic dyes or chemical treatment, as the brown and green colors are genetically encoded in the fiber itself. The fiber can be spun into yarn, woven, or knitted without any dyeing process, making it ideal for eco-conscious textile artists and home spinners. [source]
Cotton seed as food supplement
CulinaryWhile not typically consumed directly, cottonseed from Pima varieties (with lowered gossypol content in food-grade cultivars) can be processed into cottonseed oil and meal, which are used in food products and animal feed as nutritious protein and oil sources. [source]
Sustainable textiles & clothing
HouseholdThe naturally colored fiber can be processed into durable, soft fabrics for clothing, bedding, and household textiles without synthetic dyes or heavy chemical processing, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional cotton. [source]
Soil improvement & composting
HouseholdCotton plant residue (stems, leaves, spent bolls) can be composted and returned to soil to improve organic matter content and structure, reducing need for external amendments. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeCotton flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, particularly during mid-to-late summer when other flowering plants may be scarce, supporting local bee populations. [source]
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting when bolls open fully and fiber appears dry and fluffy, typically 150-180 days after planting. Pick by hand, gently extracting fiber from opened bolls while leaving the boll case on the plant. Harvest can be staggered as bolls open in succession over several weeks. Remove any adhering plant material, seeds, and debris. Dry harvested fiber completely before storage to prevent mold; store in cool, dry location in breathable containers. For fiber arts use, properly dried Foxfibre can be carded, combed, and spun directly into yarn without chemical treatment.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Foxfibre cotton was developed by Sally Fox in the 1980s-1990s through selective breeding of naturally colored cotton, reviving an ancient trait that had been lost in commercial cotton cultivation; the brown and green colors are stable and do not fade significantly with washing or sunlight exposure.
- 🌱 Pima cotton is known for its extra-long staple fiber (1.5 inches or longer), making it softer and more durable than upland cotton; combined with natural coloring, Foxfibre Pima creates some of the finest colored cotton fiber available to artisan spinners.
- 🌱 A single mature cotton plant can produce 15-20 bolls, with each boll containing 15,000-20,000 individual fibers; the entire plant is essentially fiber-producing, making it highly efficient for textile production at home or small-farm scale.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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