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When to Plant Comfrey in Clearwater County, MN

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

Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.

At an elevation of 1,074 feet, Clearwater County receives approximately 33.7 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.

Clearwater County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
136 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
136 growing days
First Fall Frost September 28

Clearwater County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 6 – Oct 8

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 377 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 1,360 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Clearwater County, MN

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5
Harvest July 24 Jul 24 โ€“ Sep 25

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 Transplant Outdoors
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 3b

Growing Season

136 days

Growing Tips for Clearwater 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 Clearwater County, MN?

Clearwater County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clearwater County, MN?

Clearwater County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Clearwater County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Clearwater County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.