Growing Heirloom Cotton

Growing Naturally Colored Heirloom Cotton

Heirloom cotton varieties are threatened with extinction due to widespread planting of patented genetically engineered cotton varieties. Cross pollination between natural heirloom varieties & patented varieties occurs when the two exist within a 5 mile radius. We are part of a preservation task force so to speak & are doing everything within our power to ensure that the raw genetic material from these heirloom cotton varieties exist for future generations to enjoy. We supply a large portion of the seed stock in existence with the hope of spreading the concept of sustainability worldwide. If you choose to grow an heirloom cotton variety, we encourage you to share what you are doing with others. Help us increase awareness of the threat posed by patented genetically engineered plant life, which today comprises more than 65% of all plant life on planet earth.

Cotton Seeds – Arkansas Green Lint (left), Mississippi Brown (right)

Cotton requires a relatively long growing season (130-135 days).

*It’s best to start cotton seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before your average last frost date.

*Cotton likes warm temperatures & has no problem surviving late summer heat & drought.

ms brown cotton sprouts over cellular tray

Sprouted Mississippi Brown Cotton Seeds

Start seeds indoors if your growing season is short.

Seeds can be started indoors using the paper towel method. Place seeds on a paper towel with a bit of space between seeds. Place another paper towel on top & moisten, but do not saturate the paper towels. Fold in half & place in a Ziploc bag leaving a little air in it & seal. Store at 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sprouted Arkansas Green Cotton Seeds

Seeds will sprout in 5-7 days

In 2026 our seeds sprouted in just 3 days!

Planting Sprouted Seeds In Soil

Plant sprouts in soil.

Once seeds sprout, plant them ½ inch deep in a good starter mix or fine potting soil. Plant in relatively small cells (no larger than a 3 inch pot) so they can fill out fully with roots before transplanting.

Cotton Seedlings In Greenhouse

Sprouts will emerge in just a few days.

Provide plenty of light for optimal growth. Ideal temperature for germination & growth is 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit , but at the very least don’t allow the seedlings to be exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmer the better.

Seedlings should be transplanted into the ground or large container at least two weeks after your last average frost date.

Direct sowing of seeds can be done in warm climates with a long growing season, but highest success rates are achieved by starting them indoors.

Seed Saving

Remove seeds from cotton & store in a cool dark place.
Cotton seeds are best planted the following season
because they don’t hold their viability well. Also, an isolation distance of five miles is necessary to preserve
purity.

Mississippi Brown Cotton

Gossypium hirsutum
20 seeds

Open Pollinated. 130 days.

Mississippi Brown Cotton dates back to at least the mid 1800's. Seed stock originally came from a plantation near Natchez Mississippi.

This variety produces large yields of brown cotton & is extremely drought tolerant.

Grows 5 feet tall.

*Cannot ship cotton seeds to Texas.

$6.00

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Arkansas Green Lint Cotton

Gossypium hirsutum
20 seeds

Open Pollinated. 135 days.

Arkansas Green Lint Cotton dates back to at least the mid 1800's.

A very interesting variety that produces green, mint colored fibers. This variety boast some of the most beautiful pink flowers we have ever seen!

Grows 5-7 feet tall.

*Cannot ship cotton seeds to Texas.

$6.00

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Our Mission

"Mississippi Foundation for Renewable Energy's mission is to promote sustainable lifestyles. We accomplish this by providing informative assistance in the form of consultation, as well as providing a unique product line geared toward homesteaders & "big city" dwellers alike. We are world leaders in off-grid renewable energy & alternative communications system design. We support the preservation of natural, non-GMO, open pollinated plant life, & donate tens of thousands of seeds each year to seed library programs across the USA. All proceeds from our website https://www.backwoodsenergy.org are utilized in our effort to fulfil our mission of promoting sustainable lifestyles worldwide."

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Growing Heirloom Cotton

Learn how to grow heirloom cotton from seed to harvest.

Growing Naturally Colored Heirloom Cotton

Cotton requires a relatively long growing season (130-135 days).