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When to Plant Comfrey in Cambria 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.

Cambria County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 156 days.

At an elevation of 720 feet, Cambria County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Cambria County, PA (Zone 6a) Moderate season
156 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
156 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Cambria 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 (18 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (14 days to spare)
Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Oct 10

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 ~1,369 GDD — county provides 2,847 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Cambria County, PA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 โ€“ May 30
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Sep 26

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

156 days

Growing Tips for Cambria 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 Cambria County, PA?

Cambria County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cambria County, PA?

Cambria County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cambria 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 Cambria County, PA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.