A Flower Becomes a Boll

After the petals fall off the flowers, the seed pod starts to grow.

After the petals fall off the flowers, the seed pod starts to grow.

The seed pod becomes a boll. Silky fibers grow from the seeds inside the boll.

The seed pod becomes a boll. Silky fibers grow from the seeds inside the boll.

When the boll opens, the cotton is ready to harvest.

When the boll opens, the cotton is ready to harvest.

Planting

Cotton farmers plant seeds in raised beds of soil. The beds keep the seeds warm.

Sprinklers spray water over the cotton plants.

Sprinklers spray water over the cotton plants.