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When to Plant Comfrey in Howell 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.

Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 696 feet, Howell County receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Howell County, MO (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Howell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Aug 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Sep 9

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 488 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~1,144 GDD — county provides 3,034 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Howell County, MO

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Harvest June 18 Jun 18 โ€“ Aug 27

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 โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

199 days

Growing Tips for Howell 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 Howell County, MO?

Howell County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Howell County, MO?

Howell County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Howell County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Howell County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.