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When to plant crocuses

Plant crocuses for fall from 6 weeks before to 2 weeks after the first fall frost.

Your dates for crocuses

Set your ZIP code at the top of the page and we will work out when to plant crocuses where you live, from the frost records of the nearest NOAA weather station. Your ZIP code is remembered on this device only.

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Crocuses planting dates by zone

JFMAMJJASOND Zone 4b Zone 5b Zone 6b Zone 7b Zone 8b Zone 9a
Fall plantingDates use each zone's typical frost dates. Enter your ZIP code for your own.
Dates from each zone's typical (median) frost dates.
ZoneFall planting
Zone 2a *Jul 25 to Sep 19
Zone 3aAug 3 to Sep 28
Zone 3bAug 13 to Oct 8
Zone 4aAug 17 to Oct 12
Zone 4bAug 20 to Oct 15
Zone 5aAug 23 to Oct 18
Zone 5bAug 29 to Oct 24
Zone 6aSep 5 to Oct 31
Zone 6bSep 10 to Nov 5
Zone 7aSep 13 to Nov 8
Zone 7bSep 20 to Nov 15
Zone 8aSep 26 to Nov 21
Zone 8bOct 2 to Nov 27
Zone 9a *Oct 15 to Dec 10
Zone 9b *Oct 28 to Dec 23

* Outside zones 3 to 8, the hardiness range our sources give for crocuses. Plants there may not survive the winter or get enough winter chill, and are usually grown as annuals or in pots.

Where frost is rare

Crocus can be grown in mild-winter California. In zones 9-10, chill corms in the refrigerator at 35-45F for 1-3 months before planting, or buy pre-chilled corms. Plant in October or November in well-drained soil. Corms rely on winter rains and tolerate dry summers. Blossoms fade quickly in hot weather.

ZonePlanting months in Extension guides
Zone 9Oct-Nov, after 1-3 months of pre-chilling (UC ANR Marin County); late Oct-Nov in California zones 7-9 (UC Riverside)
Zone 10Oct-Nov, after 1-3 months of pre-chilling (UC ANR Marin County)

Based on UC Marin Master Gardeners 'Focus on Crocus' (UC ANR) and UC Cooperative Extension Riverside 'Crocus' fact sheet. Clemson HGIC gives November for South Carolina. No UF/IFAS, Texas A&M, University of Arizona or Hawaii CTAHR crocus timing was found. Warm-winter areas are matched to zones approximately, so use the months for your region.

How to grow crocusesYour full planting calendar

Sources