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When to plant Comfrey in Lake County, MN

Lake County's short 103-day growing season means one Comfrey planting between June 8 and June 22. No fall crop in Zone 4a.

When to Plant Comfrey in Lake County, MN

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

Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.

At an elevation of 1,191 feet, Lake County receives approximately 36.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Comfrey to ensure they mature before fall.

Lake County, MN (Zone 4a) Short season
103 days
Last Spring Frost June 1
103 growing days
First Fall Frost September 12

Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.8

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Comfrey Planting Timeline — Lake County, MN

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 8 Jun 8 – Jun 22
Harvest August 10 Aug 10 – Oct 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 4a

📆 Growing Season

103 days in Lake County

Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, MN?

Lake County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 1. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lake County, MN?

Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and first fall frost is September 12.

When should I plant Comfrey in Lake County, MN?

In Lake County, MN, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around June 1) and before the first frost (around September 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lake County, MN for Comfrey?

Lake County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Comfrey grow in Lake County's climate?

Yes — Comfrey grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 103-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 1 and first frost around September 12.

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Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 4a). 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 Lake County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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