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When to Plant Comfrey in Lackawanna 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.

Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.

At an elevation of 184 feet, Lackawanna County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Lackawanna County, PA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
162 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
162 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Lackawanna County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Sep 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 8

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~919 GDD — county provides 1,984 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Lackawanna County, PA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 โ€“ Sep 19

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 5b

Growing Season

162 days

Growing Tips for Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna County, PA?

Lackawanna County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lackawanna County, PA?

Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Lackawanna County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Lackawanna County, PA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.