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When to Plant Comfrey in Bedford 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.

Bedford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 1,109 feet, Bedford County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Bedford County, PA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Bedford 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 (40 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Sep 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Sep 11
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (32 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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~1,256 GDD — county provides 2,964 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Bedford County, PA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 โ€“ May 15
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 โ€“ Sep 11

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

177 days

Growing Tips for Bedford 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 Bedford County, PA?

Bedford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bedford County, PA?

Bedford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Bedford County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Bedford County, PA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.