When to plant crocuses in Palencia: 13 October – end of December

In Palencia, crocus: plant from 13 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 Palencia: soil, season and weather

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

Planting	13 October – end of December
First autumn frost	12 November
Coldest nights	January, 0 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in spring	already in the first week of January
Daylight	11:13 on 13 October
Daylight at the winter solstice	9:07

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

Crocus in Palencia: 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 Palencia 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 Palencia, León (Spain) is 4 days earlier and Valladolid 15 days later.

City	Distance	Date	Difference
Valladolid	43 km	28 October – end of December	15 days later
Burgos	77 km	18 October – end of December	5 days later
Aranda de Duero	78 km	14 October – end of December	1 day later
León (Spain)	108 km	9 October – end of December	4 days earlier
Zamora	115 km	19 October – end of December	6 days later
Segovia	122 km	9 October – end of December	4 days earlier

Where to buy crocus for planting in Palencia

Planting stock goes into the ground from 13 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of Palencia OpenStreetMap lists 1 farm-supply shop and 5 markets (collected 27 October 2026).

Mercadillo del recinto ferial — market
Sun 09:00–14:00 · 0 km
Mercadillo de San Juanillo — market
Wed 09:00–14:00 · 1 km
Mercadillo del Paseo de la Julia — market
Tue 09:00–14:00 · 2 km
Mercado de Abastos — market
Mon–Sat 08:30–14:00 · 1 km
Plaza de Abastos La Castellana — market
1 km
Talleres Alejandro e Hijo — farm supply
1 km

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