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When to Plant Comfrey in Lemhi County, ID

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

Lemhi County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 97 days.

At an elevation of 6,743 feet, Lemhi County receives approximately 12.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Comfrey successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Lemhi County, ID (Zone 4b) Very short season
97 days
Last Spring Frost June 9
97 growing days
First Fall Frost September 14

Lemhi County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Oct 1
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 16 🍅 Harvest: Aug 18 – Oct 27
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jul 2 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Nov 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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 471 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~975 GDD — county provides 1,261 GDD Good fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Lemhi County, ID

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 16 Jun 16 โ€“ Jun 30
Harvest August 18 Aug 18 โ€“ Oct 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 โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

97 days

Growing Tips for Lemhi 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 Lemhi County, ID?

Lemhi County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lemhi County, ID?

Lemhi County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lemhi County gardeners in Zone 4b 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 Lemhi County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.