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When to Plant Comfrey in Hancock County, ME

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

Hancock County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.

At an elevation of 654 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 45.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Hancock County, ME (Zone 5a) Moderate season
158 days
Last Spring Frost May 6
158 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Hancock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Oct 3

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~1,144 GDD — county provides 2,409 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Hancock County, ME

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 13 May 13 โ€“ May 27
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Sep 23

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 5a

Growing Season

158 days

Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, ME?

Hancock County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hancock County, ME?

Hancock County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 11.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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