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When to plant Comfrey in Stark County County,

Stark County County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Comfrey April 28–May 12 for the single annual harvest; the October 12 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Comfrey in Stark County, IL

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

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Stark County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12
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Stark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Comfrey Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 – Sep 8

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
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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 5b

📆 Growing Season

174 days in Stark County

Growing Tips for Stark 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 Stark County, IL?

Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Stark County, IL?

Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.

When should I plant Comfrey in Stark County County, ?

In Stark County County, , plant Comfrey after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Stark County County, for Comfrey?

Stark 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 Stark County County's climate?

Yes — Comfrey grows well in Stark County County's temperate climate. Stark County County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 12.

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Your Stark County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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