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When to Plant Comfrey in Phillips 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.

Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 929 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 32.1 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.

Phillips County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Phillips County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Sep 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 30

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 Phillips County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7โ€“7.5) is more alkaline than Comfrey prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) โ€” Comfrey will thrive.

How to Plant Comfrey

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

Succession Planting Comfrey

3
successive plantings in your 164-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 312 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Comfrey needs ~975 GDD — county provides 2,132 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Phillips County, KS

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 20
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 โ€“ Sep 16

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

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Only during dry spells

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

164 days in Phillips County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Phillips County

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 29 in Phillips 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 Phillips County, KS?

Phillips County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Phillips County, KS?

Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Phillips County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Phillips County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.