2026 Planting Guide
Spring cropWhen to Plant Cotton in North Carolina
Complete guide to growing cotton in North Carolina 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 North Carolina. Red diamond markers indicate frost date boundaries.
Quick Facts
Min. Soil Temp
65°F (18°C) minimum
Growing Period
150-175 days
From planting to harvest
Last Spring Frost
April 5
Wait until after this date
First Fall Frost
October 25
Harvest before this date
Monthly Task Timeline
Month-by-month guide for managing cotton in North Carolina.
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 North Carolina
These varieties have proven performance in North Carolina's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.
| # | Variety | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PhytoGen PHY 480 W3FE | North Carolina climate |
| 2 | Deltapine DP 2038 B3XF | North Carolina climate |
Growing Tips for North Carolina
Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced North Carolina farmers.
Coastal Plain: primary cotton area
Stink bug damage to bolls is increasing problem
Apply defoliant at 60% open bolls
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 5
Wait until after this date before planting frost-sensitive crops outdoors.
First Fall Frost
October 25
Plan to complete harvest of warm-season crops before this date arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant cotton in North Carolina?
The optimal planting window for cotton in North Carolina is April 20 to May 20. Soil temperature should reach at least 65°F (18°C) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 150-175 days.
What varieties of cotton grow best in North Carolina?
The best varieties for North Carolina include PhytoGen PHY 480 W3FE, Deltapine DP 2038 B3XF. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.
When can I harvest cotton in North Carolina?
The harvest window for cotton in North Carolina is typically October 15 to December 1. The crop takes 150-175 days from planting to reach maturity.
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Data Sources
Data sourced from USDA NASS Crop Planting Dates, North Carolina 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.