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When to Plant Comfrey in Walla Walla County, WA

Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.

Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 3,151 feet, Walla Walla County receives approximately 23.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Walla Walla County, WA (Zone 6b) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Walla Walla County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Aug 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Sep 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 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.

Soil Compatibility in Walla Walla County

How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2โ€“6.4) is more acidic than Comfrey prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Walla Walla County is excellent for Comfrey โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) โ€” Comfrey will thrive.

How to Plant Comfrey

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Comfrey

3
successive plantings in your 178-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 702 gal / 100 sq ft
Comfrey needs ~1,031 GDD — county provides 2,447 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Walla Walla County, WA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Sep 7

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_acidic

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

178 days in Walla Walla County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Walla Walla County

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 20 in Walla Walla County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Walla Walla County receives only 24" of rain annually. Comfrey needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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 Walla Walla County, WA?

Walla Walla County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Walla Walla County, WA?

Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 15.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Walla Walla County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.