Planting Date · Cotton
Cotton Planting Date Calculator
Calculate the optimal planting dates for cotton based on your USDA zone, last frost date, and preferred start method.
Optimal Soil Temp
65°F
Days to Maturity
150 days
Frost Tolerance
very tender
Planting Depth
1 inch
Input
Fill in the fields below, then click Calculate.
Select your USDA plant hardiness zone (3–10).
Approximate month of your last spring frost.
How you plan to start the crop.
No results yet
Fill in the fields and click Calculate to see results.
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What to Calculate Next
How to Use This Calculator
Select your USDA hardiness zone and the month of your last expected spring frost. Choose whether you plan to direct sow or start cotton transplants indoors. The calculator uses frost tolerance data and days to maturity to recommend optimal planting windows.
Why This Matters
Planting cotton at the right time is critical for success. Planting too early exposes frost-sensitive plants to cold damage, while planting too late shortens the growing season and reduces yield. Timing varies significantly by USDA zone.
Methodology
This calculator uses USDA hardiness zone frost date tables and crop-specific data: Cotton requires 150 days to maturity, has very-tender frost tolerance, and needs soil temperatures of at least 65°F. Indoor start dates are calculated by subtracting transplant lead time from the last frost date.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting based on calendar date rather than soil temperature and frost risk.
- Not hardening off cotton transplants before moving them outdoors.
- Ignoring microclimates — low-lying areas frost later in spring and earlier in fall.
- Forgetting that cotton needs 150 days to reach maturity when planning fall plantings.
Tips & Best Practices
- Cotton needs a very long, warm season — 150+ frost-free days.
- Plant when soil temperature at 4-inch depth is 65°F for 3 consecutive days.
- Cotton is typically grown in zones 7–10 in the US.
- Adequate moisture at planting is critical, but reduce irrigation as bolls open.