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When to plant Comfrey in Larimer County County,

In Larimer County County, Comfrey is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 9–May 23 for an 90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 6 first frost.

When to Plant Comfrey in Larimer County, CO

Larimer County, Colorado Zone 5b June

This month in Larimer County, Colorado

Your garden in Larimer County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.

Avg. last frost May 2
Avg. first frost October 6
Soil temp (4") 50°F
Watering High
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.9 hrs
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in 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.

Larimer County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 7,108 feet, Larimer County receives approximately 23.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Larimer County, CO (Zone 5b) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Larimer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Comfrey Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (16 days to spare)
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 19
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (12 days to spare)
Transplant: May 28 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 8

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 Larimer County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.4–8.2) is more alkaline than Comfrey prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Larimer County is excellent for Comfrey — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Comfrey.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). 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 157-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 08 to harvest before frost.

Comfrey Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
0.8″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,130 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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Larimer 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 ~975 GDD — county provides 2,041 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline — Larimer County, CO

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Sep 19

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

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Larimer County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Larimer County

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after May 02 in Larimer County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Larimer County receives only 23" 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Comfrey in Larimer County, CO?

Larimer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Larimer County, CO?

Larimer County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Comfrey in Larimer County County, ?

In Larimer County County, , plant Comfrey after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Larimer County County, for Comfrey?

Larimer County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Comfrey grow in Larimer County County's climate?

Yes — Comfrey grows well in Larimer County County's temperate climate. Larimer County County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.

🌱

Your Larimer County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Larimer County (Zone 5b). 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 Larimer County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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