A key step, after the choice of cultivar, is obtaining a uniform stand of vigorous seedlings. Seed germination and seedling emergence rates are closely associated with temperature. Normally a base of 60 degrees F is chosen for cotton production. Good seedling emergence can be expected when there is a minimum of 15 DD60 accumulated during the 5 days following planting . Approximately 45-60 days after planting, depending on temperature, the cotton begins to bloom.
Cotton first produces a small square, which produces a white bloom.
The white bloom turns pink after one day and then falls off as the bolls develop. Under normal weather patterns, an open boll ready for harvest is produced approximately 65 days after bloom. Top of Document Effects of Wind on Cotton Production Wind affects cotton plant growth, development and yield by modifying temperature and humidity gradients which in turn changes the evaporative demand. Wind also produces a mechanical shaking action which is known to affect plant growth. High winds, shortly after emergence, can produce moving particles of sand at the ground level which can literally cut the plant off at the soil surface.