When to Plant Crocus in Washington County, OH
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.
Washington County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 803 feet, Washington County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Crocus during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Crocus Planting Timeline — Washington County, OH
Crocus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bloom | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 17 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
Plant 4" deep · 3" apart · Rows 4" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| 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
174 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, OH?
Washington County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Crocus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, OH?
Washington County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.