When to plant Comfrey in Purdy, MO
Purdy's 199-day season only supports one Comfrey planting per year. Sow between April 16 and April 30 for the best chance at full maturity before October 25.
When to Plant Comfrey in Purdy, MO
What to do in July
Here's what deserves your attention in Barry County, Missouri this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting comfrey
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Purdy, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 515 feet, Barry County receives approximately 40.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.
Purdy Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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 Purdy
How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–7.1) overlaps with Comfrey's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Barry 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 (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Comfrey.
How to Plant Comfrey
Succession Planting Comfrey
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barry 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 — Purdy, MO
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Barry County
Growing Tips for Comfrey in Purdy
Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after April 09 in Barry 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 Purdy, MO?
In Purdy, MO, plant Comfrey after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Purdy, MO for Comfrey?
Purdy sits in USDA Zone 7a. Comfrey grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Comfrey grow in Purdy's climate?
Yes — Comfrey grows well in Purdy's temperate climate. Purdy averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Barry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Barry County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.