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When to Plant Comfrey in Stanley 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.

Stanley County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.

At an elevation of 908 feet, Stanley County receives approximately 29.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Stanley County, SD (Zone 4a) Short season
146 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
146 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Stanley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (11 days to spare)
Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Oct 7

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
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 704 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Comfrey needs ~919 GDD — county provides 1,788 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Stanley County, SD

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 17 May 17 โ€“ May 31
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 โ€“ Sep 27

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 4a

Growing Season

146 days

Growing Tips for Stanley 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 Stanley County, SD?

Stanley County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stanley County, SD?

Stanley County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 3.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Stanley County gardeners in Zone 4a 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 Stanley County, SD. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.