Planting early in the season at an optimum time is important for cotton productivity and profit, especially in rainfed-dryland production systems. Twenty cotton genotypes: 17 multi-adversity resistance (MAR-8) strains and three variety checks, were included in a three-planting-dates test, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Planting dates were on March 2, April 6 and April 9, 1999. Heat units and moisture were adequate for all three planting dates. The analysis of variance for lint yield and fiber quality traits showed that planting date and genotypes were highly significant for all traits measured. Planting date x genotype interaction was significant only for fiber uniformity and micronaire. The third planting date, April 9, produced the highest lint yield and fiber quality. Averaged over genotypes, the third planting date produced 1290 lb/acre, fiber length of 1.11 inches and strength of 28.8 g/tex compared to the 999 lb/acre yield of the first planting, with 1.06 inches fiber length and strength of 27.6 g/tex. Yield and fiber quality traits of the second planting were between both the third and first planting dates. Micronaire values were significantly higher for the second (4.61 units) and for the third (4.56 units) planting dates than the first date (4.38 units). Rainfall amounts and distribution for the area in 1999 were the exception rather than the normal. More rainfall is received normally in April and May and much less in June and July in the Corpus Christi area. Therefore, planting as early as possible under favorable conditions in the Coastal Bend Region of Texas is important to allow for cotton growth, development, and early fruit set prior to the minimum rainfall and higher temperatures that prevail during June and July.