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When to Plant Comfrey in San Juan 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.

San Juan County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 82 days.

At an elevation of 7,539 feet, San Juan County receives approximately 20.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

San Juan County, CO (Zone 4a) Very short season
82 days
Last Spring Frost June 18
82 growing days
First Fall Frost September 8

San Juan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Oct 25
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 25 🍅 Harvest: Aug 27 – Nov 5
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jul 6 🍅 Harvest: Sep 7 – Nov 16

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 237 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~862 GDD — county provides 943 GDD Good fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” San Juan County, CO

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 25 Jun 25 โ€“ Jul 9
Harvest August 27 Aug 27 โ€“ Nov 5

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

82 days

Growing Tips for San Juan 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 San Juan County, CO?

San Juan County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is San Juan County, CO?

San Juan County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help San Juan County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 San Juan County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.