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When to plant Comfrey in Pinecrest,

In Pinecrest, Comfrey is a spring-only crop. Plant May 2–May 16 once soil hits 50°F.

When to Plant Comfrey in Pinecrest, CA

Pinecrest, CA Zone 9b June

June to-do list for Pinecrest, CA

Here's what deserves your attention in Pinecrest, CA this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.

Avg. last frost April 25
Avg. first frost October 27
Soil temp (4") 70°F
Watering Critical
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.6 hrs
Looking ahead to July
  • First harvests: comfrey

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

Pinecrest, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 2,990 feet, Tuolumne County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Pinecrest, CA (Zone 9b) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27
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Pinecrest Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Comfrey Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (45 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 29 – Nov 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.

Soil Compatibility in Pinecrest

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is more alkaline than Comfrey prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Tuolumne 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

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

Succession Planting Comfrey

3
successive plantings in your 185-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.

Comfrey Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 285 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 7.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 8.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 6.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 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" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 6.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Tuolumne 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 ~1,200 GDD — county provides 2,960 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline — Pinecrest, CA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

60–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

185 days in Tuolumne County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Pinecrest

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 25 in Tuolumne 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 →

When should I plant Comfrey in Pinecrest, ?

In Pinecrest, , plant Comfrey after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pinecrest, for Comfrey?

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

Can Comfrey grow in Pinecrest's climate?

Yes — Comfrey grows well in Pinecrest's temperate climate. Pinecrest averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 27.

🌱

Your Tuolumne County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.