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When to Plant Comfrey in Wasatch County, UT

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

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.

At an elevation of 8,190 feet, Wasatch County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Comfrey successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Wasatch County, UT (Zone 5a) Short season
130 days
Last Spring Frost May 19
130 growing days
First Fall Frost September 26

Wasatch County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 21
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Oct 6
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 26 🍅 Harvest: Aug 28 – Nov 6

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 Wasatch County

How your county's soil matches Comfrey's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.6โ€“7.6) is more alkaline than Comfrey prefers (6.0โ€“7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Wasatch County is excellent for Comfrey โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Comfrey.

How to Plant Comfrey

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Comfrey

2
successive plantings in your 130-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 28 to harvest before frost.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 644 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.4" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Wasatch County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” 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" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF 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 needs ~1,088 GDD — county provides 1,885 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Wasatch County, UT

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 โ€“ Jun 9
Harvest July 28 Jul 28 โ€“ Oct 6

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 Transplant Outdoors
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท 1-2 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

130 days in Wasatch County

Growing Tips for Comfrey in Wasatch County

Direct sow Comfrey outdoors after May 19 in Wasatch County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Wasatch County receives only 17" of rain annually. Comfrey needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Comfrey in Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wasatch County, UT?

Wasatch County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wasatch County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Wasatch County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.