When to plant Comfrey in Sumner, ME
Sumner's short 136-day growing season means one Comfrey planting between May 23 and June 6. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Comfrey in Sumner, ME
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.
Sumner, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 186 feet, Oxford County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.
Sumner Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Oxford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Sumner, ME
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Oct 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
136 days in Oxford County
Growing Tips for Sumner
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 →
Comfrey in Other Locations
When should I plant Comfrey in Sumner, ME?
In Sumner, ME, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around May 16) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner, ME for Comfrey?
Sumner sits in USDA Zone 5a. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Comfrey grow in Sumner's climate?
Yes — Comfrey grows well in Sumner's temperate climate. Sumner averages a 136-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 16 and first frost around September 29.
Your Oxford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Oxford County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.