Blog

When to Plant Comfrey in Ashley County, AR

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

Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.

At an elevation of 1,028 feet, Ashley County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Ashley County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
231 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
231 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Ashley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: May 18 – Jul 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (91 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: May 28 – Aug 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 27

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Comfrey needs ~1,481 GDD — county provides 4,562 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Ashley County, AR

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Harvest May 28 May 28 โ€“ Aug 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

231 days

Growing Tips for Ashley County

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

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Comfrey in Ashley County, AR?

Ashley County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ashley County, AR?

Ashley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Ashley County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Ashley County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.