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When to plant Crocus in Scott County County,

Crocus planted in Scott County County between mid-spring and late spring matures in 20 days — well before the October 24 first frost. A second sowing from September 19 to October 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Crocus in Scott 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.

Scott County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. 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 880 feet, Scott County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Crocus during the growing season.

Bulb Blooms in Spring Pollinator-friendly Fragrant
Scott County, MO (Zone 7a) Moderate season
198 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
198 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24
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Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.7

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 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Crocus Planting Timeline — Scott County, MO

Crocus Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Bloom August 15 Aug 15 – Sep 5
Fall Sowing September 19 Sep 19 – Oct 3

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 Bloom
October Fall Sowing
November
December
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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 7a

📆 Growing Season

198 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Crocus in Scott County, MO?

Scott County is in Zone 7a 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 Scott County, MO?

Scott County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Crocus in Scott County County, ?

In Scott 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 Scott County County, for Crocus?

Scott County 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 Scott County County's climate?

Yes — Crocus grows well in Scott County County's temperate climate. Scott County County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 24.

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Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott 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.

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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 Scott County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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