When to plant Crocus in Yuma County, CO
For Yuma County, gardeners: plant Crocus mid-spring through late spring once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 24 to September 7 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Crocus in Yuma 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.
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 7,664 feet, Yuma County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Crocus during the growing season.
Yuma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Crocus Planting Timeline — Yuma County, CO
Crocus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | July 6 | Jul 6 – Jul 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
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 |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Yuma County
Growing Tips for Yuma 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 Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Crocus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Crocus in Yuma County, CO?
In Yuma County, CO, plant Crocus after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Yuma County, CO for Crocus?
Yuma County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Crocus grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Crocus grow in Yuma County's climate?
Yes — Crocus grows well in Yuma County's temperate climate. Yuma County averages a 147-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 5.
Your Yuma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Yuma County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.