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When to plant crocuses in Newcastle upon Tyne: 21 October – end of December

In Newcastle upon Tyne, crocus: plant from 21 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include Lamesley Garden Centre (garden centre, 8 km) and Hillheads Farm Shop (farm shop, 8 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 Newcastle upon Tyne: soil, season and weather

No month averages below 0 °C at night; the coldest nights, in January, average 2.3 °C.

Planting21 October – end of December
First autumn frost20 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, 2.3 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight10:08 on 21 October
Daylight at the winter solstice7:10

The same dates in Newcastle upon Tyne hold for Garlic, Tulip, Daffodil and Hyacinth.

Crocus in Newcastle upon Tyne: 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 Newcastle upon Tyne the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 28 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 Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh is 11 days earlier and Hull 4 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Carlisle86 km16 October – end of December5 days earlier
Leeds131 km24 October – end of December3 days later
Bradford133 km19 October – end of December2 days earlier
Edinburgh147 km10 October – end of December11 days earlier
Hull161 km25 October – end of December4 days later
Manchester172 km15 October – end of December6 days earlier

Where to buy crocus for planting in Newcastle upon Tyne

Planting stock goes into the ground from 21 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of Newcastle upon Tyne OpenStreetMap lists 30 garden centres, 6 markets and 5 farm shops (collected 20 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Newcastle upon Tyne?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne?

Last spring frost around 8 April, first autumn frost around 20 November.

Other crops in Newcastle upon Tyne, with their dates