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When to plant crocuses in Bellinzona: 16 October – end of December

In Bellinzona, crocus: plant from 16 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include Orticoltura Regusci (farm shop, 4 km) and Agriturismo Alpe Zalto (farm shop, 10 km); addresses and opening hours are below.

Bulbs are best planted early in the window: late-planted bulbs may flower later or less well. Late planting works only while the soil can be dug. Mulch after planting.

The average daily temperature here stays above 0 °C all winter, and at least three months average 7 °C or less: our rule of thumb for the winter cold spring bulbs need. Sources: Iowa State University Extension, Wisconsin Horticulture Extension, UNH Extension, RHS.

Crocus in Bellinzona: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in December–February; the coldest, January, averages -1.6 °C.

Planting16 October – end of December
First autumn frost15 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -1.6 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight10:56 on 16 October
Daylight at the winter solstice8:37

The same dates in Bellinzona hold for Garlic, Tulip, Daffodil and Hyacinth.

Crocus in Bellinzona: depth, winter cold, pests and pets

Plant Dutch crocuses (Crocus vernus) about 12 cm deep and 9 cm apart; smaller species go 7–10 cm deep (RHS).

In Bellinzona the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 24 weeks a year (our estimate from ten years of monthly weather). For this bulb Wisconsin Horticulture Extension gives a cold period of 15–17 weeks at about 2–10 °C. The winter here gives that in the ground, so the bulbs need no pre-chilling.

Crocuses multiply on their own (they naturalise); in a lawn, hold off mowing until their leaves die back (RHS).

Birds, squirrels and rodents damage crocuses; planting under metal mesh may reduce losses (RHS). Spring crocus gives dogs and cats vomiting and diarrhoea; do not confuse it with autumn crocus (Colchicum), which is very toxic (Pet Poison Helpline).

Sources: RHS, Wisconsin Horticulture Extension, Pet Poison Helpline.

Crocus in nearby cities

Around Bellinzona, Locarno is 54 days earlier and Lugano 20 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Locarno17 km23 August – 27 October54 days earlier
Lugano22 km5 November – end of December20 days later
Como43 km24 October – end of December8 days later
Bergamo74 km19 October – end of December3 days later
Milan82 km31 October – end of December15 days later
Novara88 km23 October – end of December7 days later

Where to buy crocus for planting in Bellinzona

Planting stock goes into the ground from 16 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of Bellinzona OpenStreetMap lists 1 garden centre, 1 plant nursery and 7 farm shops (collected 27 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Bellinzona?

In Bellinzona, crocus: plant from 16 October to the end of December. Bulbs are best planted early in the window: late-planted bulbs may flower later or less well. Late planting works only while the soil can be dug. Mulch after planting.

When is the last spring frost in Bellinzona?

Last spring frost around 7 April, first autumn frost around 15 November.

Other crops in Bellinzona, with their dates