Unusual spring weather patterns in 1997 delayed cotton planting in most of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. However, 22 fields of early- to medium early-maturing varieties located in several irrigated production areas produced yields higher than the historical averages for these areas. Also, field observations indicated that delayed planting resulted in avoidance of a significant proportion of the spring colonizing boll weevil population. Based on yields obtained during the abbreviated season, and observations of spring boll weevil populations, the authors suggest that further investigation of a true short-season production system incorporating uniform delayed planting with newly developed rapid fruiting varieties may facilitate cotton production and boll weevil population management in the subtropical Lower Rio Grande Valley.