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When to plant crocuses in New York: 21 October – end of December

In New York, crocus: plant from 21 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include Chelsea Garden Center Red Hook (garden centre, 4 km) and Chelsea Garden Center (garden centre, 5 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 New York: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in December–February; the coldest, January, averages -2.8 °C.

Planting21 October – end of December
First autumn frost20 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -2.8 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight10:55 on 21 October
Daylight at the winter solstice9:15

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

Crocus in New York: 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 New York the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 22 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 New York, Allentown is 17 days earlier and Dover 6 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Trenton84 km13 October – end of December8 days earlier
New Haven113 km13 October – end of December8 days earlier
Allentown125 km4 October – 30 December17 days earlier
Philadelphia130 km12 October – end of December9 days earlier
Atlantic City154 km23 October – end of December2 days later
Dover215 km27 October – end of December6 days later

Where to buy crocus for planting in New York

Planting stock goes into the ground from 21 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of New York OpenStreetMap lists 31 garden centres, 1 farm-supply shop, 2 plant nurseries, 47 markets and 7 farm shops (collected 7 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in New York?

In New York, crocus: plant from 21 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 New York?

Last spring frost around 3 April, first autumn frost around 20 November.

Other crops in New York, with their dates