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When to Plant Comfrey in Sac 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.

Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 1,221 feet, Sac County receives approximately 31.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Sac County, IA (Zone 4b) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Sac County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Sep 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 27

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 364 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~750 GDD — county provides 1,660 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Sac County, IA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Sep 12

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 Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 4b

Growing Season

166 days

Growing Tips for Sac 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 Sac County, IA?

Sac County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sac County, IA?

Sac County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 8.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sac 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 Sac County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.