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When to Plant Comfrey in Madison 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.

Madison County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 265 days.

At an elevation of 434 feet, Madison County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, 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.

Madison County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
265 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
265 growing days
First Fall Frost November 25

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (124 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 3 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jul 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (125 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 12 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (128 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Jun 3 – Aug 12

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
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 934 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~1,594 GDD — county provides 5,631 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Madison County, FL

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Mar 26
Harvest May 14 May 14 โ€“ Jul 23

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

265 days

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, FL?

Madison County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Madison County, FL?

Madison County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Madison County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.