When to plant Comfrey in Cale, AR
In Cale, Comfrey is a spring-only crop. Plant March 30–April 13 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Comfrey in Cale, AR
Your July game plan for Nevada County, Arkansas
Your garden in Nevada County, Arkansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
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Basket week: comfrey
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- First harvests: comfrey
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.
Cale, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 226 days.
At an elevation of 1,493 feet, Nevada County receives approximately 54.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Comfrey root diseases.
Cale Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Comfrey 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.
Soil Compatibility in Cale
How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Comfrey's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Nevada County is excellent for Comfrey — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Comfrey.
How to Plant Comfrey
Succession Planting Comfrey
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 06 to harvest before frost.
Comfrey Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nevada 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 Planting Timeline — Cale, AR
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
226 days in Nevada County
Growing Tips for Comfrey in Cale
Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after March 23 in Nevada County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 →
Comfrey in Other Locations
When should I plant Comfrey in Cale, AR?
In Cale, AR, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cale, AR for Comfrey?
Cale sits in USDA Zone 8a. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Comfrey grow in Cale's climate?
Yes — Comfrey grows well in Cale's temperate climate. Cale averages a 226-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 4.
Your Nevada County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Nevada County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.