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When to plant Crocus in Cedar County County,

In Cedar County County, plant Crocus in spring between mid-spring and late spring, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Cedar County County's last frost averages April 8, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between September 14 and September 28 — roughly 20 days before the first frost on October 26.

When to Plant Crocus in Cedar County, MO

Cedar County, Missouri Zone 6b June

June to-do list for Cedar County, Missouri

June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Cedar County, Missouri.

Avg. last frost April 8
Avg. first frost October 26
Soil temp (4") 73°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs

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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.

Cedar County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 1,062 feet, Cedar County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Crocus during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Fragrant
Cedar County, MO (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 8
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Cedar County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Crocus Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (222 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 1 🌸 Bloom: Feb 18 – Mar 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (222 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 8 🌸 Bloom: Feb 25 – Mar 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (222 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🌸 Bloom: Mar 8 – Mar 29

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 Cedar County

How your county's soil matches Crocus's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2–6.8) overlaps with Crocus's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Cedar County is excellent for Crocus — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Crocus.

How to Plant Crocus

4"
Planting Depth
3"
Between Plants
4"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 6 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Crocus

24
successive plantings in your 201-day season

Sow every 1.1 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 06 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 14.

Crocus Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 3.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 2.2" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 2.2" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 2.2" 4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 2.2" 3.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 2.2" 3.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 2.2" 2.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cedar 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 needs ~218 GDD — county provides 2,914 GDD Excellent fit

Crocus Planting Timeline — Cedar County, MO

Crocus Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom August 3 Aug 3 – Aug 24
Fall Sowing September 14 Sep 14 – Sep 28

Plant 4" deep · 3" apart · Rows 4" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August Bloom
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

10–20 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

201 days in Cedar County

Growing Tips for Crocus in Cedar County

Direct sow Crocus outdoors after April 08 in Cedar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Your generous 201.0-day season in Cedar County allows multiple plantings of Crocus. Sow every 5.0 days for continuous harvest.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Crocus in Cedar County, MO?

Cedar County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Crocus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cedar County, MO?

Cedar County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Crocus in Cedar County County, ?

In Cedar County County, , plant Crocus after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Cedar County County, for Crocus?

Cedar County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Crocus grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Crocus grow in Cedar County County's climate?

Yes — Crocus grows well in Cedar County County's temperate climate. Cedar County County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.

🌱

Your Cedar County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Cedar County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cedar County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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