When to plant Crocus in Lake County, CO
Plant Crocus in Lake County from mid-spring to late spring in spring. Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5a, with last frost around June 21 and first frost on August 30. A second sowing from July 19 to August 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Crocus in Lake County, CO
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.
Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and the first fall frost is August 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 70 days.
At an elevation of 7,687 feet, Lake County receives approximately 21.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Crocus to ensure they mature before fall.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-8.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Crocus
Crocus needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Crocus Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Aug in Lake County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crocus Planting Timeline — Lake County, CO
Crocus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
Plant 4" deep · 3" apart · Rows 4" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
10–20 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
70 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lake County
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 Lake County, CO?
Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 21. Plan your Crocus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, CO?
Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and first fall frost is August 30.
When should I plant Crocus in Lake County, CO?
In Lake County, CO, plant Crocus after the last frost (around June 21) and before the first frost (around August 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, CO for Crocus?
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Crocus grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Crocus grow in Lake County's climate?
Yes — Crocus grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 70-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 21 and first frost around August 30.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.