Blog

When to Plant Comfrey in Benson County, ND

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

Benson County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.

At an elevation of 869 feet, Benson County receives approximately 34 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Benson County, ND (Zone 3b) Short season
137 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
137 growing days
First Fall Frost September 27

Benson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 23
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Transplant: May 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 2

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~694 GDD — county provides 1,267 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Benson County, ND

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 โ€“ Jun 3
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 โ€“ Sep 23

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 Transplant Outdoors
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 3b

Growing Season

137 days

Growing Tips for Benson 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 Benson County, ND?

Benson County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Benson County, ND?

Benson County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Benson County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Benson County, ND. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.