Wild Cotton – 5 Seeds

Wild Cotton (Ipomoea albivenia) is a vigorous perennial deciduous climber up to 10 m long, belonging to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). The funnel-shaped flowers are large, white with pale pink or yellow throat. The flowers are sweetly scented and open during the night, closing by midday. The seeds are covered in a fluffy cotton wool, hence the name Wild Cotton. The plant prefers a hot dry sunny position.

The wild cotton tubers have historically been eaten in times of famine, and are also used in traditional medicine to purify the blood.

Common names:  Wildekatoen, Imibuzana / Umangfongo, Climbing Kapok and Wooden Rose Creeper.

Growing Wild Cotton

Indoor Sowing: Spring.

Direct Sowing: Not Recommended.

• Soak Seeds in water for 24 – 48 hours.
• Fill a container with a mixture of potting soil and sand. Sow the seeds 1cm deep.
• Water well and keep moist, but not wet.
• Optimal temperature for germination is 20-25°C.
• Transplant seedlings into well draining soil once big enough.
• This plant prefers a hot, dry sunny position and does not like wet feet, so do not over water the plant.