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When to Plant Comfrey in Nevada County, CA

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

Nevada County, California is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 2,745 feet, Nevada County receives approximately 44.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Nevada County, CA (Zone 7b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Nevada County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Sep 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (33 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 12 🍅 Harvest: Aug 14 – Oct 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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 286 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Comfrey needs ~919 GDD — county provides 2,021 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Nevada County, CA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 โ€“ May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 7b

Growing Season

165 days

Growing Tips for Nevada 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 Nevada County, CA?

Nevada County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nevada County, CA?

Nevada County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 22.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Nevada County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Nevada County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.