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When to plant Comfrey in Butte County, CA

Butte County sits in cold Zone 9b. Plant Comfrey April 27–May 11 for the single annual harvest; the November 10 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Comfrey in Butte County, CA

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

Butte County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.

At an elevation of 144 feet, Butte County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Butte County, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
204 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
204 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Butte County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 9.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 9.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 6.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 7.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Comfrey Planting Timeline — Butte County, CA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

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

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

204 days in Butte County

Growing Tips for Butte 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Comfrey in Butte County, CA?

Butte County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Butte County, CA?

Butte County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is November 10.

When should I plant Comfrey in Butte County, CA?

In Butte County, CA, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Butte County, CA for Comfrey?

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

Can Comfrey grow in Butte County's climate?

Yes — Comfrey grows well in Butte County's temperate climate. Butte County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around November 10.

🌱

Your Butte County Garden Planner — Free

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

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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 Butte County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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