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When to Plant Comfrey in Clinton County, MO

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

Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 525 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 36.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Clinton County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Transplant: May 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Sep 13

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 364 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~919 GDD — county provides 2,388 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Clinton County, MO

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 4
Harvest June 22 Jun 22 โ€“ Aug 31

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 โ€”
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 5b

Growing Season

195 days

Growing Tips for Clinton 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 Clinton County, MO?

Clinton County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clinton County, MO?

Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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