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When to plant Comfrey in Lowpoint,

Lowpoint's 177-day season only supports one Comfrey planting per year. Sow between April 30 and May 14 for the best chance at full maturity before October 17.

When to Plant Comfrey in Lowpoint, IL

Lowpoint, IL Zone 5b June

Top priorities for Lowpoint, IL gardeners in June

Your Lowpoint, IL garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost April 23
Avg. first frost October 17
Soil temp (4") 71°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.9 hrs
Before July arrives, get these ready
  • First harvests: comfrey

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Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.

Lowpoint, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 582 feet, Woodford County receives approximately 41.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Lowpoint, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Lowpoint Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Comfrey Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Sep 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Sep 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 23

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 Lowpoint

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is within Comfrey's preferred range (6.0–7.0).

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Comfrey will thrive.

How to Plant Comfrey

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Comfrey

3
successive plantings in your 177-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 19 to harvest before frost.

Comfrey Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 32 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Comfrey

Comfrey needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Comfrey Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Comfrey 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.

Comfrey needs ~975 GDD — county provides 2,301 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline — Lowpoint, IL

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 – Sep 10

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

177 days in Woodford County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Lowpoint

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 23 in Woodford County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

General growing tips

Plant root cuttings 2 inches deep. Choose Bocking 14 variety to prevent self-seeding. Cut leaves 3-4 times per season for mulch or compost. Avoid planting near pathways as it spreads.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Comfrey in Lowpoint, ?

In Lowpoint, , plant Comfrey after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lowpoint, for Comfrey?

Lowpoint sits in USDA Zone 5b. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Comfrey grow in Lowpoint's climate?

Yes — Comfrey grows well in Lowpoint's temperate climate. Lowpoint averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.

🌱

Your Woodford County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Woodford 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.

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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 Woodford County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.