When to plant Crocuses in London

Crocus spp.

Crocus
Crocus · Crocus spp.

Hardy spring-flowering corms for free-draining soil. Plant in autumn, then leave the foliage in place after flowering so they can feed next year.

12 cm · Full Sun · Low Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to London · last frost ≈ 4 Apr

Plant out September to November. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Plant Corms

    26 Sept to 24 Nov

    Plant corms during 26th September - 24th November, pointy end up, about in free-draining soil. Space apart. Water in.

    • Put mesh on after planting. Take it off when shoots show.

  2. 02

    Enjoy the Flowers

    19 Jan to 15 Mar 2027

    From 19th January 2027 to 15th March 2027, enjoy the flowers. They take sun or a little shade. In pots, keep compost moist while they grow. Never waterlogged.

  3. 03

    Deadhead Spent Blooms

    24 Jan to 25 Mar 2027

    Remove faded flowers from 24th January - 25th March 2027.

  4. 03

    Let Foliage Die Back

    15 Mar to 26 Apr 2027

    Leave the foliage in place from 15th March 2027 until it yellows. Do not mow until then.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Crocus.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Crocus to consider

Ruby Giant

Large violet-blue flowers with a strong show in late winter and early spring.

Blue Pearl

Pale blue flowers that work well in pots and the front of borders.

Flower Record

Reliable purple flowers that naturalise well in grass and open borders.

Golden Yellow

Clear yellow flowers for a bright early display in beds and containers.

Crocus guides by town

See how Crocus timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.