Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION, 8/29/21


Last effective blooming can be a moving target from year to year, and across geographies within our state, and it largely depends on Fall weather. In years where we experience sunny, warm conditions during September and October (similar to that of the Fall 2019), our last effective blooming can extend to September 1st or a little beyond. In years where we experience cloudy and/or cooler weather during September and October (similar to that of Fall 2020), our last effective blooming can be as early as August 15 or 20. Generally speaking, on average, our last effective bloom dates occur around August 25, therefore this week (August 23–27) should mark the end of our effective blooming period unless we have a fairly warm, sunny Fall. Blooms that occur beyond this week have a diminishing chance of becoming harvestable, therefore the bolls on the plant as of now are likely the last ones that we can reasonably harvest.

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