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When to Plant Comfrey in Wilkin 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.

Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 1,365 feet, Wilkin County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Wilkin County, MN (Zone 3b) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Wilkin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (13 days to spare)
Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 1

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
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 177 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~638 GDD — county provides 1,207 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Wilkin County, MN

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 18 May 18 โ€“ Jun 1
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 โ€“ Sep 21

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

142 days

Growing Tips for Wilkin 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 Wilkin County, MN?

Wilkin County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wilkin County, MN?

Wilkin County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wilkin County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Wilkin County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.