Comfrey

SKU: HR1205

Symphytum Officinale. Comfrey is the perennial cousin of borage and their pink and blue blooms attract just as many pollinators. This... Read More

Exposure Partial to full sun

Average Seeds Per Gram 94 ?

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Comfrey

Product Details

Symphytum Officinale. 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. For composting, it can be used a bioactivator as well as an abundant source of green material as it will quickly regrow after being cut. Further, their long taproots draw nutrients deep from the soil into their leaves. For these reasons, their cuttings are often used as mulch in permaculture gardens to increase organic material and improve soil nutrition. It was historically grown for its reputed healing properties and is still today used topically in medicinal salves. However, if not managed, Comfrey can become quickly invasive. They reseed readily and root remnants can become new plants. Consider growing in raised beds or containers. To keep them in check, cut back before they flower.

Quick Facts:

    • Fast-growing perennial
    • Attracts pollinators
    • Leaves can be used as a mulch
    • Plants can spread--requires management

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Comfrey

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All About Comfrey

Latin

Latin
Symphytum Officinale
Family: Boraginaceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

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

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

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

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

Seed Info
Usual seed life: 3 years.

How to Grow Comfrey

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Germination

Usual seed life: 3 years.

Step 5

Harvest

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

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