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When to Plant Comfrey in Lake County, CO

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

Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and the first fall frost is August 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 70 days.

At an elevation of 7,687 feet, Lake County receives approximately 21.2 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.

Lake County, CO (Zone 4a) Very short season
70 days
Last Spring Frost June 21
70 growing days
First Fall Frost August 30

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 23 🍅 Harvest: Aug 25 – Nov 3
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 28 🍅 Harvest: Aug 30 – Nov 8
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jul 4 🍅 Harvest: Sep 5 – Nov 14

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
1.3″/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 ~919 GDD — county provides 857 GDD Tight fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Lake County, CO

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Jul 12
Harvest August 30 Aug 30 โ€“ Nov 8

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 โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July Transplant Outdoors
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 4a

Growing Season

70 days

Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, CO?

Lake County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 21. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, CO?

Lake County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 21 and first fall frost is August 30.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lake County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Lake County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.