Cotton consistently ranks as the leading cash crop in Texas, which is the largest cotton-producing state in the US, contributing approximately half of the nation’s total cotton acreage annually. Successfully establishing this crop begins with timely planting, which is not a fixed date but a strategic decision based on highly localized environmental conditions. The vast geographic and climatic differences across Texas mean the cotton planting window spans several months, moving from the warmer southern regions northward.
Environmental Triggers for Planting
A cotton seed’s successful journey from the soil to an emerged seedling is entirely dependent on specific environmental conditions. The primary factor governing the onset of planting is the temperature of the soil surrounding the seed. For reliable germination and vigorous emergence, the soil temperature at the planting depth must be sustained at a minimum of 60°F to 65°F. Research suggests an optimum target is a 10-day average soil temperature of 65°F at the 8-inch depth, ensuring consistent warmth for the developing root.
Planting cotton into cooler soil significantly increases the risk of chilling injury. Low temperatures during the initial water uptake and germination phase can lead to malformed seedlings and a reduced taproot, hindering the plant’s ability to establish itself. Furthermore, cool, wet conditions immediately after planting create a favorable environment for seedling diseases, which can rapidly diminish the final plant stand. Growers also need to consider the five-day weather forecast, specifically looking for nighttime minimum temperatures to remain above 50°F to prevent chilling hours.
Regional Planting Timelines Across Texas
Because Texas is so geographically large, the time when the soil reaches the required temperature varies dramatically by region, creating a staggered planting timeline.
Lower Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend
The earliest planting begins in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend, the warmest parts of the state. Growers in these southern areas can start planting as early as mid-February, with the window typically extending through early April. This early start capitalizes on the region’s long growing season before the intense summer heat sets in.
Rolling Plains and Central Texas
Moving north into the Rolling Plains and Central Texas, the planting window shifts to mid-spring as soil temperatures warm up later. This region generally begins planting from mid-April through mid-May, aligning with the later arrival of consistent soil warmth. Growers here monitor conditions closely to avoid the last potential cold snaps that could harm newly planted seeds.
High Plains
The latest planting occurs in the High Plains, including the Panhandle, which is the largest cotton-producing region in Texas. Due to the area’s higher elevation and cooler climate, the 65°F soil temperature threshold is reached much later in the spring. Planting in the High Plains typically runs from May 10th to early June, making it the final cotton planting area in the state.
Preparing the Field for Seeding
Long before the planter enters the field, growers engage in several preparatory steps that influence the success of the planting process.
Seed Selection
Producers choose a variety whose maturity requirements fit the length of their specific regional growing season. In the High Plains, for instance, a shorter-season variety is often selected to ensure the bolls mature before the first frost.
Moisture Management
Field preparation involves meticulous moisture management, especially for dryland cotton where there is no irrigation. Growers must ensure the seedbed has adequate moisture to facilitate rapid germination, sometimes requiring pre-plant irrigation or employing residue management to conserve existing soil water.
Seedbed Preparation
The seedbed itself is prepared through practices such as conventional tillage or no-till farming to create a firm, level surface. A firm seedbed ensures good seed-to-soil contact, which is necessary for the seed to absorb water and nutrients efficiently for a quick, uniform emergence.