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When to plant crocuses in Zurich: 17 October – end of December

In Zurich, crocus: plant from 17 October to the end of December. For planting stock, the places nearby include Hofladen mit Bistro (farm shop, 7 km) and Obstgartenkeller (farm shop, 7 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 Zurich: soil, season and weather

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

Planting17 October – end of December
First autumn frost16 November
Coldest nightsJanuary, -2.1 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in springalready in the first week of January
Daylight10:50 on 17 October
Daylight at the winter solstice8:27

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

Crocus in Zurich: 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 Zurich the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 26 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 Zurich, Lucerne is 27 days earlier and Neuchâtel 12 days later.

CityDistanceDateDifference
Lucerne41 km20 September – 29 November27 days earlier
St. Gallen63 km19 October – end of December2 days later
Bern95 km4 October – 21 December13 days earlier
Mulhouse100 km18 October – end of December1 day later
Fribourg123 km7 October – 30 December10 days earlier
Neuchâtel129 km29 October – end of December12 days later

Where to buy crocus for planting in Zurich

Planting stock goes into the ground from 17 October to the end of December; buy it before that. Within 15 km of Zurich OpenStreetMap lists 33 garden centres, 9 plant nurseries, 14 markets and 105 farm shops (collected 7 October 2026).

Places: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Questions

When to plant crocuses in Zurich?

In Zurich, 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 Zurich?

Last spring frost around 14 April, first autumn frost around 16 November.

Other crops in Zurich, with their dates