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Growing Comfrey in Des Moines

🇺🇸 Zone 2 Planting Guide · Hot-summer humid continental climate

USDA Zone 2 170 frost-free days 60-90 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Comfrey in Des Moines

Yes, you can grow Comfrey in Des Moines, US! Plant during Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep for best results. Des Moines is in USDA Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate, offering 170 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Comfrey takes 60-90 days to harvest. Comfrey needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Good Match Des Moines + Comfrey

Des Moines's temperatures (-12°C to 30°C) are within the tolerable range for Comfrey (-15°C to 30°C), though not always in the optimal zone (12°C to 24°C). Plant during recommended months for best results.

Comfrey tolerates -15°C to 30°C
Optimal: 12°C - 24°C
Des Moines range -12°C to 30°C

Des Moines Climate Data

USDA Zone
2
Frost-Free
170days
Winter Low
-12°C
Summer High
30°C
Rainfall
889mm/yr
Climate
Dfa
Hot-summer humid continental

Comfrey Planting Calendar for Des Moines

Green months show the best time to plant Comfrey in Des Moines

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Comfrey Not recommended

Comfrey Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

2-4 hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Regular

Consistent moisture, 1-2 inches/week

📅

Days to Harvest

60-90

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

medium

Some experience helpful

💡 Growing Tips for Comfrey

Plant Bocking 14 variety (non-spreading). Chop and drop as mulch 4-5 times per season. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Frost tolerance: Comfrey is frost tolerant — you can plant earlier in spring.

How to Grow Comfrey in Des Moines

Des Moines, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa). With winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C, the growing season spans approximately 170 frost-free days. Comfrey grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.

Comfrey thrives in temperatures between 12°C and 24°C, requiring full sun to partial shade and regular watering. In Des Moines, the best months to plant Comfrey are March, April, May, August, September. Since Comfrey can tolerate frost, you have flexibility to plant earlier in the season or extend into cooler months. Expect to harvest in approximately 60-90 days after planting.

With 889mm of annual rainfall, Des Moines provides moderate natural moisture. You'll likely need to supplement with regular watering, especially during the growing season.

Other Plants That Grow in Des Moines

More plants you can grow alongside Comfrey in Des Moines

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow comfrey in Des Moines?

Yes! Comfrey can be successfully grown in Des Moines, US. Des Moines is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2 with a Hot-summer humid continental climate. The difficulty level for growing Comfrey here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are March, April, May, August, September.

When should I plant comfrey in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, the recommended planting months for Comfrey are March, April, May, August, September. Des Moines has 170 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -12°C and summer highs of 30°C. Comfrey is frost tolerant, giving you more flexibility with planting dates.

How long does comfrey take to grow in Des Moines?

Comfrey typically takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest. In Des Moines's Hot-summer humid continental climate with 170 frost-free days, you have enough time with good planning to grow Comfrey to maturity. Plant Bocking 14 variety (non-spreading). Chop and drop as mulch 4-5 times per season. Can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost, giving it a head start on the growing season. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Can I grow comfrey indoors in Des Moines?

Comfrey can potentially be grown indoors in Des Moines with proper conditions. It requires full sun to partial shade (2-4 hours of indirect light). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Mar, Apr, May, Aug, Sep outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.

What month do I plant comfrey in Des Moines?

Plant Comfrey in Des Moines during March, April, May, August, September. These are the optimal months based on Des Moines's USDA Zone 2 climate, 170 frost-free days, and temperature range of -12°C to 30°C.

Is comfrey hard to grow in Des Moines?

Comfrey is rated "medium" to grow in Des Moines. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Comfrey in Des Moines is Good.

What grows well with comfrey in Des Moines?

In Des Moines, you can grow many companion plants alongside Comfrey. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Des Moines's Zone 2 climate.

Does comfrey need full sun in Des Moines?

Comfrey requires full sun to partial shade. Comfrey tolerates lower light. In Des Moines, a spot with filtered or indirect light for 2-4 hours works well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

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