The cotton grown in Kenya is for the local market. Growing Conditions Temperature Cotton needs warm conditions and temperatures of about 27 degrees Celsius are ideal for growing. Plenty of sunshine during growing is necessary as the crop is sensitive to frost. Rainfall Moderate to light rainfall is adequate for cotton cultivation between 510 to 1,115 mm of rainfall. High quality cotton is grown in semiarid and arid areas with the use of irrigation.
Dry spells inhibit the spread of pests particularly boll weevil.
Cotton does not do well in very wet conditions as this encourages the plant to produce leaves and stalks rather than valuable fibres. The best soils should be medium loams with good drainage, which gives the plant good support during windy or stormy days. Manures and fertilizers can also be used to increase productivity. Topography Cotton is best grown on flat land where machinery can be used . However the flat cotton growing areas should not be subjected to flooding since excessive moisture is harmful to the crop.