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When to plant crocuses in Magdeburg: 19 October – end of December

In Magdeburg, crocus: plant from 19 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include Magdeburger Pilz-Markt (farm shop, 3 km) and Völckes Hofladen (farm shop, 4 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 Magdeburg: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in January; the coldest, January, averages -0.3 °C.

Planting19 October – end of December
First autumn frost18 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -0.3 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight10:28 on 19 October
Daylight at the winter solstice7:43

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

Crocus in Magdeburg: 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 Magdeburg the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 25 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 Magdeburg, Erfurt is 11 days earlier and Potsdam 3 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Leipzig102 km18 October – end of December1 day earlier
Potsdam102 km22 October – end of December3 days later
Berlin129 km20 October – end of December1 day later
Hanover132 km22 October – end of December3 days later
Erfurt134 km8 October – end of December11 days earlier
Dresden189 km19 October – end of Decembersame day

Where to buy crocus for planting in Magdeburg

Planting stock goes into the ground from 19 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of Magdeburg OpenStreetMap lists 6 garden centres, 4 farm-supply shops, 6 plant nurseries, 1 market and 8 farm shops (collected 28 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Magdeburg?

In Magdeburg, crocus: plant from 19 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 Magdeburg?

Last spring frost around 5 April, first autumn frost around 18 November.

Other crops in Magdeburg, with their dates