2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Cotton in Kansas
Complete guide to growing cotton in Kansas 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 Kansas. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
65°F (18°C) minimum
Growing Period
140-165 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
April 15
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
October 15
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing cotton in Kansas.
January - April
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
May - June
PlantPrepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.
July - 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 Kansas
These varieties have proven performance in Kansas's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PhytoGen PHY 332 W3FE | Kansas climate |
| 2 | Deltapine DP 1646 B2XF | Kansas climate |
Growing Tips for Kansas
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Kansas farmers.
South-central Kansas — expanding cotton frontier
Use early-maturing varieties to beat fall frost
Heat unit accumulation is the limiting factor
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
April 15
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
October 15
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant cotton in Kansas?
The optimal planting window for cotton in Kansas is May 10 to June 10. Soil temperature should reach at least 65°F (18°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 140-165 days.
What varieties of cotton grow best in Kansas?
The best varieties for Kansas include PhytoGen PHY 332 W3FE, Deltapine DP 1646 B2XF. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest cotton in Kansas?
The harvest window for cotton in Kansas is typically October 15 to November 30. The crop takes 140-165 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Kansas 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.