Comfrey Bundle

Get fresh root crowns and root pieces dug from the comfrey growing on our homestead! Root crowns have the top of the plant already sprouted, while the root cuttings are pieces of the root that will sprout and grow into a plant. This bundle contains both!

NOTE: Comfrey is only available for shipping to US customers. 

This sterile hybrid (developed in the 1950s) doesn’t produce seeds, but propagates readily through the roots. It’s a popular variety for permaculture, because it brings nutrients to the surface and thus builds soil naturally, and it has also been used as feed for livestock (including goats, sheep, rabbits, poultry, horses, and cattle).

It is extremely high in allantoin and proteins, the highest of any comfrey. In addition, it contains nitrogen, potassium, iodine, silicon, phosphorus, and much more. Produces large leaves and purple/pink flowers that bees love. Traditionally used medicinally, though it’s a controversial plant in that respect, so please do your own research on this topic. Comfrey is said to contain different types of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, but there is conflicting information about the differences between Common Comfrey and Russian Comfrey in this regard – as well as conflicting opinions on whether or not this particular plant should be consumed internally or in large amounts. Perennial.

Comfrey – Russian Bocking 14 Cultivator – Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’

Planting Root Crowns: In moist soil, plant crowns with the leaf tips just above the surface, about 2-3′ apart. They can be planted in pots or beds, then transplanted. Please remember that wherever you plant comfrey, it will remain there basically forever, because it propagates through root fragments, and even if you try to dig it up, there will be small fragments remaining that will sprout.

Planting Root Cuttings: In moist soil, plant root cuttings about 2-8″ deep, about 2-3′ apart. Plant on the shallow side in clay soil, or on the deeper side in sandy soil. (If planting in small pots or containers instead of directly in the ground, transplant the young seedlings when their leaves appear.) Root cuttings take 2-6 weeks to sprout to the surface, depending on the conditions. Please remember that wherever you plant comfrey, it will remain there basically forever, because it propagates through root fragments, and even if you try to dig it up, there will be small fragments remaining that will sprout.

Soil & Growing Conditions: This comfrey prefers rich soil, medium moisture, and full/partial sun. Mulch plants using their own leaves once it’s done flowering–it usually continues growing 2-3x through the season if you do this. This variety doesn’t spread much, but it will propagate through root cuttings. It’s a hardy plant, tolerant of drought once it’s established. Some sources suggest that you don’t harvest it until the second year, to make sure it is established. Let soil dry out between waterings. Fertilize with manure (even fresh manure) in the fall or spring.

Weeks to Sprout: Up to 8 weeks
Height At Maturity: 3-5’
Sun/Shade: Full Sun/Partial Sun
Spacing After Thinning: 2-3’
Qty: 1 root crown, 1 set of 4 root pieces 

Product images via: Seeds for Generations