When to Plant Crocus Bulbs: Fall Timing, Depth and Crocus Lawns

Crocus are small, low plants in the iris family, with about 90 species, that grow from corms rather than true bulbs (NC State Extension). Most stay under 6 inches tall, and the flowers close at night and on cloudy days (NC State). Like tulips and daffodils, spring crocus need fall planting so roots can establish before winter. MU Extension also points out that they are an important early food source for bees when little else is in bloom.

When to plant crocus by region

Extension services tie crocus planting to cooling soil or a month. Here is what each says for its own state:

If your state isn't listed, use the soil rule: Rutgers and Nebraska Extension say to plant once soil falls below 60°F, and Wisconsin Horticulture says around 50 to 55°F. Iowa State warns that planting too early, while soil is still warm, can make some bulbs sprout in fall. A soil thermometer at planting depth is the easiest check (GardenPal suggestion).

How deep and far apart to plant crocus

Because the corms are small, crocus look best planted in drifts or clusters rather than single rows (GardenPal suggestion). MU Extension says a bulb auger on a cordless drill makes planting many of them much easier.

Which crocus to plant

• Snow or golden crocus (Crocus chrysanthus): early, small flowers in yellow, white and blue (MU Extension); about 4 inches tall (Nebraska Extension).
• Dutch or giant crocus (C. vernus): larger flowers in purple, white and stripes, about 6 inches tall, and naturalizes in lawns (Nebraska Extension, MU Extension). Clemson notes that showy Dutch crocus doesn't naturalize as well as some earlier-flowering species.
• Tommies (C. tommasinianus): lilac-purple, late winter to early spring, and more squirrel-resistant than other crocus because the corms taste slightly bitter (MU Extension).
• For the South: Clemson names C. angustifolius, C. chrysanthus and C. tommasinianus as good choices for South Carolina.

Planting crocus in a lawn

MU Extension recommends crocus lawns: plant the corms in turf for early color, and because crocus bloom and their leaves die back early, the foliage can store food for next year before regular mowing begins. Nebraska Extension also says Dutch crocus naturalizes in lawns. The catch is mowing: NC State says to leave crocus foliage about six weeks after bloom, so hold off mowing those areas until the leaves have faded (GardenPal note based on NC State and MU Extension).

Squirrels, voles and other animals

Crocus corms are a favorite snack. NC State says squirrels dig up newly planted corms, Rutgers lists voles, squirrels, rabbits and deer as animals that eat crocus, and Clemson says tulip and crocus bulbs often get dug up. Wisconsin Horticulture notes crocus are not poisonous to squirrels, unlike daffodils.

• Wire: Clemson calls wire mesh the only sure solution. Rutgers suggests covering bulbs at planting with wire mesh screening the shoots can grow through, and the University of Minnesota and Iowa State suggest chicken wire over the planted area.
• Choose Tommies where squirrels are a problem (MU Extension).
• Plant with daffodils: animals rarely eat daffodils (Clemson); see when to plant daffodils.

After bloom

• Keep the leaves about six weeks after flowering so the corms can recharge (NC State).
• Divide crowded clumps about every four years (NC State),.
• Forcing indoors: Nebraska Extension says about 15 crocus fit in a 6-inch pot, chilled at 35 to 48°F for at least 12 to 13 weeks, and that a refrigerator works only if no fruit, especially apples, is stored there.

Crocus around the vegetable garden

Crocus bloom so early that they are done before most vegetable beds are planted. They suit bed edges, paths and lawn strips near the garden, where the early bees MU Extension mentions will find them (GardenPal suggestion). For bigger bulbs planted at the same time, see when to plant tulips and when to plant hyacinths, and for other fall jobs, what to plant in fall.

Frequently asked questions

When should I plant crocus bulbs?

In fall: mid-September through October in most northern states once soil is below about 60°F, October in Iowa and Missouri, and November in South Carolina.

How deep do you plant crocus?

About 3 to 4 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart, per Rutgers, Iowa State and MU Extension. NC State gives 2.5 inches deep and 2 inches apart.

Can I plant crocus in my lawn?

Yes. MU Extension recommends crocus lawns because they bloom and die back early. Let the leaves fade before you mow those areas.

How do I stop squirrels from eating crocus bulbs?

Clemson says wire mesh is the only sure fix. MU Extension says Tommy crocus is more squirrel-resistant because its corms taste bitter.

Can I still plant crocus in November or December?

In many areas, yes, if the ground is not frozen. Iowa State says bulbs can go in as late as December if the ground remains unfrozen.

Do crocus come back every year?

Usually. MU Extension says crocus naturalize easily and return year after year. NC State suggests dividing clumps about every four years.