When to plant Crocus in Phelps County County,
For Phelps County County, gardeners: plant Crocus mid-spring through late spring once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from September 12 to September 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Crocus in Phelps County, MO
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.
Phelps County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,057 feet, Phelps County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Crocus during the growing season.
Phelps County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Phelps County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Crocus Planting Timeline — Phelps County, MO
Crocus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 12 | Sep 12 – Sep 26 |
Plant 4" deep · 3" apart · Rows 4" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Bloom |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Phelps County
Growing Tips for Phelps 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 Phelps County, MO?
Phelps County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Crocus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phelps County, MO?
Phelps County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Crocus in Phelps County County, ?
In Phelps County County, , plant Crocus after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phelps County County, for Crocus?
Phelps 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 Phelps County County's climate?
Yes — Crocus grows well in Phelps County County's temperate climate. Phelps County County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 24.
Your Phelps County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phelps 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.