When to plant Crocuses in the UK

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
Plant out September to November.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNo

UK averages · set your town for dates worked out from your local frost records · how dates are worked out

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

Dates for your town

Set your town to see planting windows worked out from local frost history, not a generic UK calendar.

  1. 01

    Plant Corms

    early September to early November UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Plant corms during early September to early 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

    mid-February to mid-April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    From mid-February to mid-April, 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

    late February to late April UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Remove faded flowers from late February to late April.

  4. 03

    Let Foliage Die Back

    mid-April to late May UK average · set your town for your exact dates

    Leave the foliage in place from mid-April 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.