2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Cotton in Georgia
Complete guide to growing cotton in Georgia 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 Georgia. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
65°F (18°C) minimum
Growing Period
150-180 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
March 20
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
November 5
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing cotton in Georgia.
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 - December
HarvestCheck maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.
Best Cotton Varieties for Georgia
These varieties have proven performance in Georgia's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PhytoGen PHY 400 W3FE | Georgia climate |
| 2 | Deltapine DP 2044 B3XF | Georgia climate |
| 3 | Stoneville ST 4990 B3XF | Georgia climate |
Growing Tips for Georgia
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Georgia farmers.
Georgia is #2 cotton state behind Texas
Target 4 plants/row-foot in 36-inch rows
Thrips at emergence — use in-furrow or seed treatment insecticide
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
March 20
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
November 5
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant cotton in Georgia?
The optimal planting window for cotton in Georgia is April 15 to May 25. Soil temperature should reach at least 65°F (18°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 150-180 days.
What varieties of cotton grow best in Georgia?
The best varieties for Georgia include PhytoGen PHY 400 W3FE, Deltapine DP 2044 B3XF, Stoneville ST 4990 B3XF. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest cotton in Georgia?
The harvest window for cotton in Georgia is typically October 1 to December 1. The crop takes 150-180 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Georgia 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.