Comfrey is the perennial cousin of borage and their pink and blue blooms attract just as many pollinators. This fast-growing herb has multiple utilities. Learn how to grow comfrey below.

Latin
Symphytum Officinale
Family: Boraginaceae

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone
Season: All seasons (perennial)
Exposure:
Full sun to partial shade

Timing
Direct sow in container or its permanent spot in mid-spring, about 3 weeks before average last frost. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 14-21 days.

Starting
Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep and keep moist until seeds germinate. If growing directly in the soil, thin to 60-120cm (24-48″) apart. Plants will grow large and fill in the space.

Growing
Comfrey is an un-fussy perennial. They reseed readily and root remnants can become new plants. Cutting back leaves regularly can help keep plants in check and remove flowerheads regularly to prevent self-sowing.

Harvest
Cut the leaves once plants for 60cm (2') tall for use as fresh mulch or fertilizer tea, or as a bioactivator for compost.

Seed Info
Usual seed life: 3 years.