When to plant Comfrey in Gunnison County County,
Plant Comfrey in Gunnison County County, between June 19 and July 3 — the only viable window. Zone 5a's short season (90 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Comfrey in Gunnison County, CO
Your June game plan for Gunnison County, Colorado
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Gunnison County, Colorado.
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Transplant comfrey outside
Your last frost (June 12) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.
At an elevation of 7,435 feet, Gunnison County receives approximately 17.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Comfrey successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gunnison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
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 Gunnison County
How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.9) is more alkaline than Comfrey prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Gunnison County is excellent for Comfrey — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Comfrey.
How to Plant Comfrey
Comfrey Water Budget
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Gunnison 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 — Gunnison County, CO
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 5a
📆 Growing Season
90 days in Gunnison County
Growing Tips for Comfrey in Gunnison County
Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after June 12 in Gunnison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 90.0-day growing season in Gunnison County is tight for Comfrey (60.0-90.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Gunnison County receives only 18" 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 →
Comfrey in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Comfrey in Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 12. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gunnison County, CO?
Gunnison County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 12 and first fall frost is September 10.
When should I plant Comfrey in Gunnison County, ?
In Gunnison County, , plant Comfrey after the last frost (around June 12) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gunnison County, for Comfrey?
Gunnison County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Comfrey grow in Gunnison County's climate?
Yes — Comfrey grows well in Gunnison County's temperate climate. Gunnison County averages a 90-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 12 and first frost around September 10.
Your Gunnison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gunnison County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.