What does cotton fiber come from?

A cotton fiber comes from cells located on the outside of a fertilized cottonseed. The fiber stretches out from the seed and reaches its longest length after 15 to 25 days. Once it stops growing, the fiber fills with cellulose to gain strength.

The cotton plant's genetics primarily control the cotton fiber's length, but environment also plays a role. Factors such as stress, nutrients and moisture can cause the fiber to grow shorter or longer.

Environment plays a larger role than genetics in the filling of a cotton fiber. If conditions are ideal, cellulose will fill the fiber within 24 to 40 days.