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When to plant crocuses in Joplin: 2 October – end of December

In Joplin, crocus: plant from 2 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 Joplin: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in January, February; the coldest, January, averages -2.2 °C.

Planting2 October – end of December
First autumn frost1 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -2.2 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight11:47 on 2 October
Daylight at the winter solstice9:37

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

Crocus in Joplin: 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 Joplin the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 16 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 Joplin, Topeka is 3 days earlier and Fort Smith 17 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Fayetteville118 km11 October – end of December9 days later
Tulsa168 kmby 18 October16 days later
Fort Smith189 kmby 19 October17 days later
Kansas City225 km2 October – end of Decembersame day
Topeka241 km29 September – 30 December3 days earlier
Wichita259 km30 September – end of December2 days earlier

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Joplin?

In Joplin, crocus: plant from 2 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 Joplin?

Last spring frost around 30 March, first autumn frost around 1 November.

Other crops in Joplin, with their dates