Well the bolls formed, but wouldn't open, except for one. I have been worrying over the coming frost, so I took matters into my own hands. The technique I settled on was to use a table knife and slice along the natural spines of the cotton bolls. I sort of pry the sides open and wait a day. Finally, I pop the inside supports so the bolls curl back and fluff the cotton. The sun will bring it to full color.
I don't know if I will get any viable seeds, but the bolls do seem to be opening and drying out. I can bring them in to a windowsill to finish off, if I must. We must wait until spring to see if my seeds work.
2 comments:
That's taking matters into your own hands. So, what are you going to make with that cotton?
Nice blog Phreadde!
The cotton will go into dishtowels direct from charkha. I always keep a warp on for towels. a 3 hour demo will net about a towel and a half. More and more cotton is drying on the plant now that I have cracked the bolls. Every day I pick
green fluff. With any luck, I will have seeds to start at the right time next year. And I will use seasonal covers in spring to protect the little seedlings.
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