Growing Comfrey in the Midwest US

The Midwest United States offers excellent growing conditions for comfrey:

  • Hardiness Zones: The Midwest spans USDA zones 3a-7a, with comfrey thriving throughout most of these zones
  • Growing Season: Plant comfrey in early spring after the last frost, or in fall at least 6-8 weeks before the first frost
  • Soil Conditions: Comfrey adapts well to the Midwest's rich prairie soils and can help improve clay soils common in parts of the region
  • Winter Hardiness: Comfrey is extremely cold-hardy and will survive even the harshest Midwest winters, though it may benefit from mulching in zones 3-4
  • Regional Considerations: In the northern Midwest (MN, WI, northern MI), comfrey will emerge later in spring but will thrive during the summer months

Comfrey is particularly valuable in Midwest gardens for:

  • Improving heavy clay soils common throughout the region
  • Providing a nutrient-rich mulch for vegetable gardens
  • Creating habitat for beneficial insects in agricultural areas
  • Serving as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients in organic farming systems
  • Supporting sustainable agriculture practices in America's heartland

Find Comfrey by State

Select your state below to find local comfrey suppliers and state-specific growing information:

Ohio

Find comfrey suppliers in Ohio, with growing information for the Buckeye State's varied climate zones.

USDA Zones: 5b-6b

View Ohio Suppliers

Indiana

Discover where to buy comfrey in Indiana, with growing tips for the Hoosier State's continental climate.

USDA Zones: 5b-6b

View Indiana Suppliers

Michigan

Find comfrey plants in Michigan, with information tailored to both peninsulas and their unique growing conditions.

USDA Zones: 4a-6b

View Michigan Suppliers

Illinois

Learn where to buy comfrey in Illinois, with growing advice from Chicago to the southern regions.

USDA Zones: 5a-7a

View Illinois Suppliers

Wisconsin

Find comfrey suppliers in Wisconsin, with growing information for the Badger State's northern climate.

USDA Zones: 3b-5b

View Wisconsin Suppliers

Minnesota

Discover where to buy comfrey in Minnesota, with growing tips for the Land of 10,000 Lakes' cold climate.

USDA Zones: 3a-5a

View Minnesota Suppliers

Iowa

Find comfrey plants in Iowa, with information for growing in the Hawkeye State's prairie conditions.

USDA Zones: 4b-5b

View Iowa Suppliers

Missouri

Learn where to buy comfrey in Missouri, with growing advice for the Show-Me State's diverse regions.

USDA Zones: 5b-7a

View Missouri Suppliers

Online Retailers That Ship to the Midwest

These trusted online retailers ship quality Bocking 14 comfrey plants to all states in the Midwest region:

First Fruit Farm

Our own farm specializes in high-quality Bocking 14 comfrey crowns, roots, plugs, and starter plants.

Products:

  • Comfrey Crowns
  • Comfrey Roots
  • Starter Plants
  • Comfrey Plugs

Shipping:

Ships nationwide year-round, weather permitting

Visit Website

Midwest Climate Considerations for Comfrey

The Midwest United States presents unique climate considerations for growing comfrey:

  • Cold Winters: Comfrey is extremely cold-hardy and will survive even the harshest Midwest winters. In zones 3-4 (northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan), mulching the crown in late fall can provide extra protection.
  • Hot Summers: Parts of the southern Midwest can experience hot, humid summers. During heat waves, comfrey may temporarily wilt but will recover when temperatures moderate. Providing afternoon shade in the hottest regions can be beneficial.
  • Drought: While established comfrey is drought-tolerant, the Midwest occasionally experiences significant drought periods. Deep, infrequent watering during these times will help maintain plant health.
  • Spring Emergence: In the northern Midwest, comfrey will emerge later in spring than in warmer regions, but will grow rapidly once established.
  • Growing Season: The Midwest's growing season varies significantly from north to south. In the northern states, comfrey may produce 2-3 harvests per season, while in the southern Midwest, 3-4 harvests are possible.

Start Your Own Midwest Comfrey Business

With growing interest in sustainable gardening and permaculture across the Midwest, there's an excellent opportunity to start a comfrey business in the region. Comfrey's adaptability to the Midwest's climate makes it a reliable crop for local growers.

Want to grow and sell comfrey in the Midwest? We'd love to help you get started and add you to our directory. Contact us for more information on starting out and get your business listed in our regional guide.