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When to Plant Comfrey in Holt 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.

Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 819 feet, Holt County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Holt County, MO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Holt 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 (36 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Sep 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 12 – Sep 20

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 91 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~975 GDD — county provides 2,301 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Holt County, MO

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 12
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Sep 8

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 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 5b

Growing Season

177 days

Growing Tips for Holt 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 Holt County, MO?

Holt County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Holt County, MO?

Holt County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Holt 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 Holt County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.