When to Plant Comfrey in Douglas County, NE
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.
Douglas County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 575 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 28.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Douglas County, NE
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 |
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 | — |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
171 days
Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, NE?
Douglas County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, NE?
Douglas County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Douglas County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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