When to Plant Comfrey in Dickinson County, IA
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,311 feet, Dickinson County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.
Dickinson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Dickinson County
How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) overlaps with Comfrey's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dickinson County is excellent for Comfrey — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Comfrey will thrive.
How to Plant Comfrey
Succession Planting Comfrey
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Dickinson County, IA
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 9 | Jul 9 – Sep 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Dickinson County
Growing Tips for Comfrey in Dickinson County
Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 30 in Dickinson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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
Comfrey in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Comfrey in Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickinson County, IA?
Dickinson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Dickinson County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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