Blog

When to Plant Comfrey in Clay County, FL

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

Clay County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 282 days.

At an elevation of 122 feet, Clay County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99ยฐF, so Comfrey may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Comfrey will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Comfrey root diseases.

Clay County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
282 days
Last Spring Frost February 18
282 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Clay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (141 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 16 🍅 Harvest: Apr 20 – Jun 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (142 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 25 🍅 Harvest: Apr 29 – Jul 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (133 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Aug 9

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,245 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~1,819 GDD — county provides 6,862 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Clay County, FL

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 25 Feb 25 โ€“ Mar 11
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ Jul 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
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 9a

Growing Season

282 days

Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, FL?

Clay County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 18. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clay County, FL?

Clay County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 18 and first fall frost is November 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Clay County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Clay County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.