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When to Plant Comfrey in Flathead County, MT

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

Flathead County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 99 days.

At an elevation of 6,233 feet, Flathead County receives approximately 20.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Flathead County, MT (Zone 5a) Very short season
99 days
Last Spring Frost June 3
99 growing days
First Fall Frost September 10

Flathead County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 9
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 12 – Oct 21
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 29 🍅 Harvest: Aug 31 – Nov 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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 129 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Comfrey needs ~1,144 GDD — county provides 1,509 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Flathead County, MT

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 โ€“ Jun 24
Harvest August 12 Aug 12 โ€“ Oct 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 โ€”
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

Growing Season

99 days

Growing Tips for Flathead 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 Flathead County, MT?

Flathead County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 3. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Flathead County, MT?

Flathead County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 3 and first fall frost is September 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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