Blog

When to Plant Comfrey in Venango County, PA

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

Venango County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 1,166 feet, Venango County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season.

Venango County, PA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Venango County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.4

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 โ€” 3.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.9" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Nov โ€” 3.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Oct in Venango County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Venango County, PA

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 12 May 12 โ€“ May 26
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 โ€“ Sep 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

166 days in Venango County

Growing Tips for Venango 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 Venango County, PA?

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

What planting zone is Venango County, PA?

Venango County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 18.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Venango County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Venango County, PA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.