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. Approximately 30 days after bloom, the boll is mature but not open. Under normal weather conditions, an open boll ready for harvest is produced approximately 65 days after bloom. In regard to plant maturity, maturity can be determined by using a sharp knife to cut into the bolls. If the boll is watery or jelly- like on the inside, then it is immature.