When to plant crocuses in Teruel: 8 October – end of December

In Teruel, crocus: plant from 8 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 Teruel: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in December–February; the coldest, January, averages -2.1 °C.

Planting	8 October – end of December
First autumn frost	7 November
Coldest nights	January, -2.1 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in spring	8 January
Daylight	11:29 on 8 October
Daylight at the winter solstice	9:17

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

Crocus in Teruel: 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 Teruel the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 27 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

All the nearest cities on our list plant crocus later than Teruel; the closest date is in Soria, 2 days later.

City	Distance	Date	Difference
Cuenca (Spain)	92 km	14 October – end of December	6 days later
Zaragoza	146 km	by 20 November	43 days later
Albacete	164 km	by 27 October	19 days later
Guadalajara (Spain)	176 km	by 25 October	17 days later
Soria	194 km	10 October – end of December	2 days later
Tudela	196 km	by 7 November	30 days later

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