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When to Plant Comfrey in Hayes 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.

Hayes County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 1,016 feet, Hayes County receives approximately 30.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Hayes County, NE (Zone 5a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Hayes County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 30

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
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 825 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~1,031 GDD — county provides 2,158 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Hayes County, NE

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Sep 19

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 Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5a

Growing Season

157 days

Growing Tips for Hayes 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 Hayes County, NE?

Hayes County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hayes County, NE?

Hayes County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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