When to Plant Comfrey in Custer County, SD
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.
Custer County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.
At an elevation of 868 feet, Custer County receives approximately 29.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.
Custer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Comfrey Planting Timeline — Custer County, SD
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Oct 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
141 days
Growing Tips for Custer 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
Comfrey in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Comfrey in Custer County, SD?
Custer County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Custer County, SD?
Custer County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Custer County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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