There are several types of colored cotton including green and brown. The use of colored cotton has been tried by cotton producers but has not been adopted on a large commercial basis. There are several reasons for this including lower yields and fiber strength when compared to the traditionally grown white cotton. Another reason is that there is tremendous potential for contamination with white cotton with other colors of cotton at harvest, the gin, and at the textile mill. Producers who wish to grow colored cotton at a commercial level would benefit from developing a marketing plan prior to planting. In some cases, a higher price can be received but this should be arranged prior to investing in the system. Someone who wishes to grow colored cotton as an ornamental can obtain small quantities of seed through suppliers listed on the Internet. However, there are some states that require registration of ornamental cotton plantings due to the USDA-APHIS boll weevil eradication program in cotton producing states. Your local county Cooperative Extension office can give you more information on the status of the eradication zones.

Browse related Faqs by tag: cotton industry, colored cotton