Why is cotton production limited in northern climates?

Cotton production is primarily limited in northern climates because cotton plants require a long frost-free growing season to develop properly and produce bolls, which are the fruit of the cotton plant. A typical cotton plant needs about 150 to 200 frost-free days to mature from planting to harvest. In northern regions, the growing season is significantly shorter due to earlier frosts and cooler temperatures, which do not provide the ideal conditions for cotton growth.

The climate plays a crucial role in the success of cotton agriculture. Inadequate warmth and insufficient days without frost can severely hinder the plant's ability to photosynthesize effectively, leading to low yields or total crop failure. This is why cotton is predominantly grown in southern regions, where the weather conditions are more favorable for its development.