Blog

When to Plant Comfrey in Quay County, NM

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

Quay County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 3,759 feet, Quay County receives approximately 14.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Comfrey will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Comfrey successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Quay County, NM (Zone 7a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Quay County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Sep 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (55 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 16

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
0.3″/week
You supply
1.2″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 2,052 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Comfrey needs ~1,312 GDD — county provides 3,412 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Quay County, NM

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 5
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 โ€“ Sep 1

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

195 days

Growing Tips for Quay 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 Quay County, NM?

Quay County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Quay County, NM?

Quay County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Quay County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Quay County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.