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When to Plant Comfrey in Allegheny County, PA

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

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 118 feet, Allegheny County receives approximately 40.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Allegheny County, PA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Allegheny County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (42 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 26 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Sep 6
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Oct 1

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
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 145 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~1,256 GDD — county provides 3,115 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Allegheny County, PA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 โ€“ May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 โ€“ Sep 12

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 6a

Growing Season

186 days

Growing Tips for Allegheny 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 Allegheny County, PA?

Allegheny County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Allegheny County, PA?

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 28.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Allegheny County gardeners in Zone 6a 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 Allegheny County, PA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.