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When to plant crocuses in Geneva: 18 October – end of December

In Geneva, crocus: plant from 18 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include Gamm Vert (garden centre, 7 km) and Jardiland (garden centre, 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 Geneva: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in December–February; the coldest, January, averages -1.7 °C.

Planting18 October – end of December
First autumn frost17 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -1.7 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight10:49 on 18 October
Daylight at the winter solstice8:37

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

Crocus in Geneva: 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 Geneva the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 26 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 Geneva, Aosta is 68 days earlier and Neuchâtel 11 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Annecy32 km15 October – end of December3 days earlier
Sion94 km19 September – 19 November29 days earlier
Fribourg102 km7 October – 30 December11 days earlier
Aosta105 km11 August – 22 October68 days earlier
Neuchâtel107 km29 October – end of December11 days later
Lyon112 km26 October – end of December8 days later

Where to buy crocus for planting in Geneva

Planting stock goes into the ground from 18 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of Geneva OpenStreetMap lists 16 garden centres, 2 farm-supply shops, 8 markets and 23 farm shops (collected 27 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Geneva?

In Geneva, crocus: plant from 18 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 Geneva?

Last spring frost around 10 April, first autumn frost around 17 November.

Other crops in Geneva, with their dates