When to Plant Comfrey in Putnam 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.
Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.
At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 40.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.
Putnam County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Putnam County, MO
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
181 days
Growing Tips for Putnam 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
Comfrey in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Comfrey in Putnam County, MO?
Putnam County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Putnam County, MO?
Putnam County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 16.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Putnam County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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