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When to plant crocuses in London: 24 October – end of December

In London, crocus: plant from 24 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include Mee Market Korean Food Hall (farm shop, 0 km) and Greenfields (farm shop, 2 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 London: soil, season and weather

No month averages below 0 °C at night; the coldest nights, in January, average 1.9 °C.

Planting24 October – end of December
First autumn frost23 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, 1.9 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight10:11 on 24 October
Daylight at the winter solstice7:50

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

Crocus in London: 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 London 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 London, Coventry is 6 days earlier and Brighton 8 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Brighton76 kmby 1 November8 days later
Cambridge79 km25 October – end of December1 day later
Ipswich108 km30 October – end of December6 days later
Coventry138 km18 October – end of December6 days earlier
Norwich158 km29 October – end of December5 days later
Birmingham162 km20 October – end of December4 days earlier

Where to buy crocus for planting in London

Planting stock goes into the ground from 24 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of London OpenStreetMap lists 50 garden centres, 1 farm-supply shop, 11 plant nurseries, 130 markets and 13 farm shops (collected 7 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in London?

In London, crocus: plant from 24 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 London?

Last spring frost around 4 April, first autumn frost around 23 November.

Other crops in London, with their dates