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When to plant crocuses in Jefferson City: 5 October – end of December

In Jefferson City, crocus: plant from 5 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.

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 Jefferson City: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in December–February; the coldest, January, averages -3.6 °C.

Planting5 October – end of December
First autumn frost4 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -3.6 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight11:39 on 5 October
Daylight at the winter solstice9:28

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

Crocus in Jefferson City: 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 Jefferson City the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 18 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

1 of the nearest cities share Jefferson City's date.

CityDistanceDateDifference
St. Louis172 km5 October – end of Decembersame day
Kansas City216 km2 October – end of December3 days earlier
Springfield258 km2 October – 22 December3 days earlier
Joplin263 km2 October – end of December3 days earlier
Topeka309 km29 September – 30 December6 days earlier
Peoria324 km1 October – 9 December4 days earlier

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Jefferson City?

In Jefferson City, crocus: plant from 5 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 Jefferson City?

Last spring frost around 5 April, first autumn frost around 4 November.

Other crops in Jefferson City, with their dates