When to plant Crocus in Coconino County, AZ
Coconino County's climate puts the Crocus spring window between mid-spring and late spring. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 23 to September 6 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Crocus in Coconino County, AZ
Coconino County, Arizona gardeners: here's your August plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Coconino County, Arizona this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Start your fall crops: crocus
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
Crocuses (Crocus spp.) are the heralds of spring — small, gem-like blooms that push up through frozen ground or even snow, often weeks before any other flower. Their compact corms naturalize readily in lawns, rock gardens, and borders, creating drifts of purple, white, and yellow that expand year after year. Bees prize early crocus as one of their first nectar and pollen sources of the season. The saffron crocus (C. sativus) blooms in fall and yields the world's most expensive spice.
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 7,869 feet, Coconino County receives approximately 13.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Crocus may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Crocus will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Crocus successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Coconino County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Crocus Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Coconino County
How your county's soil matches Crocus's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.6) is more alkaline than Crocus prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Coconino County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Crocus will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Crocus.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Crocus.
How to Plant Crocus
Fall planting: Sow 5 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Crocus
Sow every 1.1 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
Crocus Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Crocus
Crocus needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Crocus Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Coconino County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crocus Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Crocus Planting Timeline — Coconino County, AZ
Crocus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
Plant 4" deep · 3" apart · Rows 4" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing Bloom |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
10–20 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Coconino County
Growing Tips for Crocus in Coconino County
Direct sow Crocus outdoors after May 28 in Coconino County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Coconino County dries quickly — mulch Crocus with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Coconino County, provide afternoon shade for Crocus and water deeply in the morning.
Your generous 122.0-day season in Coconino County allows multiple plantings of Crocus. Sow every 5.0 days for continuous harvest.
Coconino County receives only 14" of rain annually. Crocus needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant corms 3–4 inches deep and 2–3 inches apart in fall, when soil temperature drops below 60°F. Mass plantings (at least 25 corms per cluster) create the most visual impact. Plant in well-drained soil — corms rot in standing water. Crocus naturalize well under deciduous trees; the tree leafs out after crocus dormancy begins, so light competition is minimal. Squirrels and chipmunks dig corms — plant deeper (4 inches) or use wire mesh baskets in high-predation areas. Allow foliage to die back naturally before mowing lawns. In zones 8a–8b, plant in December with pre-chilled corms for best results.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Crocus in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Crocus in Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Crocus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coconino County, AZ?
Coconino County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 27.
When should I plant Crocus in Coconino County, AZ?
In Coconino County, AZ, plant Crocus after the last frost (around May 28) and before the first frost (around September 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Coconino County, AZ for Crocus?
Coconino County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Crocus grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Crocus grow in Coconino County's climate?
Yes — Crocus grows well in Coconino County's temperate climate. Coconino County averages a 122-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 28 and first frost around September 27.
Your Coconino County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Coconino County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.