Planting the cotton crop is one of the most important operations on the farm. It sets the standard for the entire season. There are some key considerations that will help ensure that it is a once only task.
Green light for planting
Soil temperature plays a critical role in cotton germination, emergence and early seedling development.
Ahead of the 2026/27 season, we’ve reviewed the soil temperature evaluations to ensure they reflect the physiology of low and normal density seed types and promote best practice. As a result, slight adjustments have been made to the soil temperature recommendations. Get the most up-to-date advice on optimum soil planting temperature to inform your planting decisions.
🌡️ Below 16°C – unsuitable for cotton planting
🌡️ 18-20°C – marginal for low density seed types
With most of CSD’s varieties being low density seed types, built to deliver a higher lint yield at the end of the season, these updates are designed to help you make informed decisions and give your crop the best chance of establishing successfully.
To assist with your planting decisions access our FastStart™ Cotton Soil Temperature Network.
Other questions that need to be answered before cotton planting starts
- Is the planter prepared for the coming season?
- Is the planter calibrated to the correct seeding rate?
- Is the planter adjusted for the correct planting depth?
- Have planting speed limits been set?
- Does soil tilth/condition mean other operations are needed? eg rolling, meshing.
We know planting into cool or poor soil conditions risks time, yield and quality. Don’t get caught.
Having accurate seed quality information is essential in refining the planting operation
- View estimates on seed size for varieties by clicking here.
- AUSLot Information
- Each seed lot has a batch number – on butt sticker of each bag.
- This number can be used to access actual seed quality.
- Statement of Seed Analysis
- Visit Statement of seed analysis.
- Select your variety and enter your AUSLot number and select search.
- Data Includes
- Warm and cool germination percentage, SVI and seeds per kilo.
Cotton planter setup – the simple checklist
This handy Cotton planter setup checklist is essential for any grower. Download your copy now.