In the Southeast there is interest in growing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) following a winter cash crop or a legume cover crop. This necessitates a relatively late planting date. Eradication of the boll weevil as an economic pest in some locations has extended the effective period for boll production. Additionally, modern cotton cultivars are earlier in maturity than those previously available. Our objective was to determine the effect of 5 planting dates on yield and fiber properties of 6 cotton cultivars. In 1991, 1992, and 1993, cotton was planted in mid-April, early- and mid-May, and early- and mid-June. Year x planting date interactions were significant for all measured characters except plant height. As planting date was delayed, yields decreased 2 of 3 years, but were unaffected the third year when drought conditions limited yields. Differences among cultivars were significant for all characteristics studied, as were many of the interactions with year and planting date. As planting date was delayed, lint percentage declined, plant height increased, fiber strength increased, fiber elongation increased, and micronaire declined. Over all years and planting dates, DES 119 had the highest yield but it was not statistically different from Coker 130 and Deltapine 5415. Deltapine 5415, a more indeterminate cultivar, yielded relatively better for the earlier planting dates, whereas the other two cultivars yielded relatively better the later planting dates. Coker 130 had the highest lint percentage and lowest fiber strength, whereas Deltapine Acala 90, the tallest cultivar, had the lowest lint percentage and highest fiber strength. DES 119 had a lint percentage equal to Coker 130 and the highest fiber uniformity index. Deltapine 5415 and DES 119 had the highest fiber elongation and micronaire. These data indicate reductions in lint yield and some fiber quality characteristics if planting occurs after mid-May.