2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Cotton in Missouri
Complete guide to growing cotton in Missouri 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 Missouri. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
65°F (18°C) minimum
Growing Period
150-170 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
April 10
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
October 18
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing cotton in Missouri.
January - April
Off-seasonCover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.
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 Missouri
These varieties have proven performance in Missouri's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deltapine DP 2038 B3XF | Missouri climate |
| 2 | PhytoGen PHY 480 W3FE | Missouri climate |
Growing Tips for Missouri
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced Missouri farmers.
Bootheel (SE Missouri) — northern edge of cotton belt
Short growing season — use early-maturing varieties
Target open bolls before October frost
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 10
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
October 18
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant cotton in Missouri?
The optimal planting window for cotton in Missouri is May 1 to May 30. Soil temperature should reach at least 65°F (18°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 150-170 days.
What varieties of cotton grow best in Missouri?
The best varieties for Missouri include Deltapine DP 2038 B3XF, PhytoGen PHY 480 W3FE. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest cotton in Missouri?
The harvest window for cotton in Missouri is typically October 15 to November 30. The crop takes 150-170 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, Missouri 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.