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When to Plant Comfrey in Barton County, KS

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

Barton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 638 feet, Barton County receives approximately 25.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Barton County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Barton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Sep 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 20

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 Barton County

How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5โ€“7.3) overlaps with Comfrey's range (6.0โ€“7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Barton County is excellent for Comfrey โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Comfrey.

How to Plant Comfrey

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Comfrey

3
successive plantings in your 179-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 750 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~1,312 GDD — county provides 3,132 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Barton County, KS

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Sep 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

179 days in Barton County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Barton County

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 20 in Barton 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Comfrey in Barton County, KS?

Barton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barton County, KS?

Barton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Barton County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Barton County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.