When to Plant Comfrey in Lake 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.
Lake County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 104 days.
At an elevation of 6,938 feet, Lake County receives approximately 12.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Comfrey successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Lake County, MT
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
104 days
Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, MT?
Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MT?
Lake County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 12.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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