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When to plant crocuses in Washington, D.C.: 17 October – end of December

In Washington, D.C., crocus: plant from 17 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include BannerBee Company (farm shop, 1 km) and BannerBee Company (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 Washington, D.C.: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in January; the coldest, January, averages -1.8 °C.

Planting17 October – end of December
First autumn frost16 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -1.8 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight11:09 on 17 October
Daylight at the winter solstice9:26

The same dates in Washington, D.C. hold for Garlic, Tulip, Daffodil and Hyacinth.

Crocus in Washington, D.C.: 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 Washington, D.C. the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 19 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 Washington, D.C., Allentown is 13 days earlier and Dover 10 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Annapolis47 km20 October – end of December3 days later
Baltimore56 km23 October – end of December6 days later
Dover134 km27 October – end of December10 days later
Richmond156 kmby 17 Octobersame day
Philadelphia198 km12 October – end of December5 days earlier
Allentown230 km4 October – 30 December13 days earlier

Where to buy crocus for planting in Washington, D.C.

Planting stock goes into the ground from 17 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of Washington, D.C. OpenStreetMap lists 17 garden centres, 36 markets and 4 farm shops (collected 7 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Washington, D.C.?

In Washington, D.C., crocus: plant from 17 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 Washington, D.C.?

Last spring frost around 31 March, first autumn frost around 16 November.

Other crops in Washington, D.C., with their dates