Blog

When to plant Comfrey in Pine, AZ

Pine's 296-day season only supports one Comfrey planting per year. Sow between February 20 and March 6 for the best chance at full maturity before December 5.

When to Plant Comfrey in Pine, AZ

Gila County, Arizona Zone 9a July

July in the garden — Gila County, Arizona

July is a pivotal month for Gila County, Arizona gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.

Avg. last frost February 13
Avg. first frost December 5
Soil temp (4") 76°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for comfrey

    Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Pine, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.

At an elevation of 3,643 feet, Gila County receives approximately 9.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Comfrey will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Comfrey successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Pine, AZ (Zone 9a) Year-round
295 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
295 growing days
First Fall Frost December 5

Pine Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Comfrey Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (157 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 10 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – Jun 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (155 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 20 🍅 Harvest: Apr 24 – Jul 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (136 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Aug 11

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 Pine

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) is more alkaline than Comfrey prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Gila County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Comfrey will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Comfrey.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Comfrey.

How to Plant Comfrey

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

Succession Planting Comfrey

5
successive plantings in your 295-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 06 to harvest before frost.

Comfrey Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.1″/week
You supply
1.4″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 3,693 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Comfrey

Comfrey needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Comfrey Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Apr 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Gila County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Comfrey Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Comfrey needs ~1,538 GDD — county provides 6,068 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline — Pine, AZ

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Harvest April 24 Apr 24 – Jul 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · 2-3 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

295 days in Gila County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Pine

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after February 13 in Gila County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Gila County dries quickly — mulch Comfrey with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

Gila County receives only 9" of rain annually. Comfrey needs consistent moisture — 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Comfrey in Pine, AZ?

In Pine, AZ, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around February 13) and before the first frost (around December 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pine, AZ for Comfrey?

Pine sits in USDA Zone 9a. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Comfrey grow in Pine's climate?

Yes — Comfrey grows well in Pine's temperate climate. Pine averages a 296-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 13 and first frost around December 5.

🌱

Your Gila County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gila County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Gila County, AZ. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.