When to Plant Comfrey in Washington 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.
Washington 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 508 feet, Washington County receives approximately 29.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Washington County
How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Comfrey prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Washington County is excellent for Comfrey — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Comfrey.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Comfrey will thrive.
How to Plant Comfrey
Succession Planting Comfrey
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Washington 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Comfrey in Washington County
Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 23 in Washington County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Washington County, NE?
Washington 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 Washington County, NE?
Washington 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 Washington County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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