When to plant Comfrey in Ellery, IL
In Ellery, Comfrey is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 16–April 30 for an 60–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 28 first frost.
When to Plant Comfrey in Ellery, IL
This month in Edwards County, Illinois
Each item below is timed to Edwards County, Illinois's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Bring in the comfrey
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- 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.
Ellery, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 1,374 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.
Ellery Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
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 Ellery
How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Comfrey's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Edwards County is excellent for Comfrey — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Comfrey will thrive.
How to Plant Comfrey
Succession Planting Comfrey
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 30 to harvest before frost.
Comfrey Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Edwards 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 — Ellery, IL
Comfrey Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 27 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Edwards County
Growing Tips for Comfrey in Ellery
Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 09 in Edwards 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 Ellery, IL?
In Ellery, IL, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ellery, IL for Comfrey?
Ellery sits in USDA Zone 6b. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Comfrey grow in Ellery's climate?
Yes — Comfrey grows well in Ellery's temperate climate. Ellery averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Edwards County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edwards County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.