2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Cotton in California
Complete guide to growing cotton in California with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from USDA and state extension services.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Visual overview of the cotton growing season in California. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
65°F (18°C) minimum
Growing Period
160-200 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
February 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
December 1
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing cotton in California.
January - March
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
April - May
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
June - September
Grow & MonitorIrrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.
October - November
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
December
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
Best Cotton Varieties for California
These varieties have proven performance in California's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PhytoGen PHY 400 W3FE | California climate |
| 2 | Deltapine DP 2044 B3XF | California climate |
| 3 | Pima S-7 | California climate |
Growing Tips for California
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced California farmers.
San Joaquin Valley — Pima (extra-long staple) cotton specialty
Acala and Pima varieties dominate
Irrigation critical: 3-4 acre-feet per season
Pest & Disease Watch
Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
Boll weevil
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Bollworm
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Whiteflies
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Aphids
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Spider mites
Scout regularly and use integrated pest management
Companion Planting
These plants grow well alongside cotton, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.
Frost Dates
Last Spring Frost
February 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
December 1
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant cotton in California?
The optimal planting window for cotton in California is April 1 to May 15. Soil temperature should reach at least 65°F (18°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 160-200 days.
What varieties of cotton grow best in California?
The best varieties for California include PhytoGen PHY 400 W3FE, Deltapine DP 2044 B3XF, Pima S-7. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest cotton in California?
The harvest window for cotton in California is typically October 1 to November 30. The crop takes 160-200 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, California Cooperative Extension Service, and NOAA frost date records. Last updated: March 2026.
Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.