How long does it take for comfrey seeds to grow?
Place them in a cool dark area such as an outdoor shed or refrigerator for a month before planting. They are slow to germinate, and if conditions are not to their liking, they may take a year to start growing. Your local nursery may carry comfrey in the herb section, and they are widely available at online retailers.
Is comfrey difficult to grow?
Comfrey is highly adaptive to a variety of growing conditions and requires very little maintenance. Mature plants grow an extensive root system, including a deep taproot. This allows them to efficiently obtain nutrients and moisture from the soil. But it also makes comfrey plants difficult to eradicate if you ever want to remove them.
How big does a comfrey plant get?
When picking a site for your comfrey you should also consider that each individual plant may grow up to 3 feet wide and comfrey has a tendency to spread quite a bit and be rather hard to dig out of gardens if you decide you don’t want it in a certain area anymore.
When should I plant comfrey?
Comfrey has a vigorous growth rate and can be planted at any time when the soil is not frozen. Comfrey is highly adaptive to a variety of growing conditions and requires very little maintenance.
Is comfrey fast growing?
Clusters of tiny bell-shaped flowers bloom on drooping stems in the late spring. They often attract bees and other pollinators. Comfrey has a vigorous growth rate and can be planted at any time when the soil is not frozen.
How long does comfrey take to grow from seed?
S. officinale, common comfrey, can be grown from seed. It is best to direct sow outdoors about three weeks before the average last frost date, planting about half an inch deep in soil. Water well and keep the soil moist until seeds germinate in about two to three weeks.
How long does it take to grow comfrey from root?
Comfrey is very tolerant of both dry and wet conditions, but will grow best when the growing medium is kept moist. The cuttings will take up to 40 days to 'take', but can show new growth in as little as a week.
Does comfrey come back every year?
Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.
Does comfrey improve soil?
Comfrey's roots break up heavy clay and creating channels for aeration and better water absorption, similar to dandelion roots. Over time, its decomposing leaves and roots enrich and condition the soil. This dual action of decomposing leaves and roots can help improve marginal land.
Is comfrey toxic to dogs?
The Merck Veterinary Manual lists comfrey as an especially risky herb because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been linked to liver damage. The alkaloids are actually produced by the herb to fend off bugs, but the insecticide can be harmful to a dog.
What is a good companion plant for comfrey?
1:164:49Comfrey - the companion plant everyone should grow - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr you can wilt comfrey leaves and you can line trenches for planting things like potatoes or runnerMoreOr you can wilt comfrey leaves and you can line trenches for planting things like potatoes or runner beans.
How deep do comfrey roots go?
Mineral Dam. The Comfrey has deep roots of up to 2 m that utilize nutrients deep in the subsoil that would otherwise wash away with the underground soil water or remain inaccessible to other plants.
Is comfrey plant illegal in the US?
However, it has toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver and can lead to death. Comfrey is no longer sold in the U.S., except in creams or ointments. The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany also have banned the sale of oral products containing comfrey.
Should comfrey be cut back?
In the first year (second for autumn planted) allow the plants to grow to the point where it throws up flower stalks and then cut back to about 15cm (6″) from the ground. Leaving the cut leaves on the ground as a weed suppressing mulch will return some of the goodness back to the plant.
Is comfrey a good fertilizer?
Comfrey is the organic gardener's best friend. Its leaves are full of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - all nutrients needed by growing plants. Master the use of comfrey and you'll never need to buy expensive fertiliser again.
Should I prune comfrey?
0:4113:07How To Cut Back Comfrey - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo I can typically cut my comfrey back between four and seven times a year that's pretty crazy butMoreSo I can typically cut my comfrey back between four and seven times a year that's pretty crazy but it's true because from the ground to this tall.
Is comfrey plant illegal in the US?
However, it has toxic substances called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver and can lead to death. Comfrey is no longer sold in the U.S., except in creams or ointments. The United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany also have banned the sale of oral products containing comfrey.
What is a good companion plant for comfrey?
1:164:49Comfrey - the companion plant everyone should grow - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr you can wilt comfrey leaves and you can line trenches for planting things like potatoes or runnerMoreOr you can wilt comfrey leaves and you can line trenches for planting things like potatoes or runner beans.
Are borage and comfrey the same thing?
Though they are members of the same plant family (Boraginaceae), perennial comfrey (Symphytum officinale, USDA zones 4-8) and annual borage (Borago officinalis) are two different plants. These cousins both boast dark green foliage and fuzzy leaves.
Do comfrey seeds need to be stratified?
Starting Indoors/Outdoors: Comfrey seeds need to be cold treated, also known as stratification for optimum germination.
How to add comfrey to compost?
To add comfrey to your compost, harvest the leaves and toss them in your green layer. Let the microorganisms break it down and mix in the nutrients.
Where should I put a comfrey plant?
Being a perennial, you will want to give some thought to placement. I put comfrey plant in a garden corner to keep them contained.
What is the best compost plant?
Comfrey makes an excellent compost plant. It’s high in minerals including potassium, silica, magnesium, calcium, nitrogen, and iron. These minerals enter your compost as the plant decomposes.
Why is Comfrey called knitbone?
Comfrey is nicknamed knitbone because of its healing properties for skin and bone issues. It contains allantoin and when applied topically it can relieve distress from skin irritations, cuts, sprains, and swelling.
Why is comfrey a good companion plant?
Companions for Comfrey. Growing comfrey with other plants is smart because it brings minerals from the subsoil up to the topsoil. It gets tall and can crowd out its neighbors, so keep spacing in mind. This can also work to your advantage as it can provide shade for cool-loving greens.
What is a comfrey flower?
Comfrey has large taproots and dainty bell-shaped flowers that add a delicate bit of cheer to the garden . It’s especially impressive looking placed in the center of an herb bed.
How long does it take for a sage plant to germinate?
They are slow to germinate, and if conditions are not to their liking, they may take a year to start growing.
How to grow comfrey?
Some say that comfrey is so easy to grow that all you need to do is chop off a piece of comfrey root, and stick it in the ground.
How long does it take for comfrey seeds to germinate?
Under the right conditions, they should germinate in ten to fifteen days. If you are starting the seeds indoors, allow them to grow for a few months. Then harden them off to get them used to outdoor conditions before transplanting. You can always grow your comfrey in pots, and this will help control its spread.
What is the most common comfrey?
Comfrey Varieties. There are two types of comfrey that are the most common to grow: True/Common comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) This is the most commonly grown variety, and it will reproduce from seed, division, and root cuttings. Russian comfrey ( Symphytum x uplandicum) is also called the Bocking 14 cultivar.
What is the best temperature to plant comfrey?
Hardiness: Comfrey will grow best in U.S. hardiness zones 3 through 9 but it will grow almost anywhere. It can handle temperatures as low as -40 degrees F through 120 degrees F.
How deep do you dig a comfrey?
If you need to, y ou can remove comfrey by digging it up from the roots. However, you will need to dig down deeply as comfrey roots can grow as much as five feet deep.
What is the best soil for comfrey?
However, for best results, grow your comfrey in a sweet soil that has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For fastest growth, plant it in rich, moist soil.
Can you grow comfrey from seed?
It is possible to grow comfrey from seed, but it will need to go through a process of stratification first. In other words, in order to get your seeds to germinate, you need to go through a process that will imitate the conditions of a cold, wet winter. This will get your seeds ready to germinate and give you the best success.
How long does it take for a comfrey to germinate?
Comfrey requires a winter “chilling period” in order to germinate, and it is very common to wait two years after sowing seed before seeing signs of germination. It’s for this reason that most gardeners forego starting their comfrey by seed. Instead, they choose to start with one of the widely available alternatives, such as a live root cutting. A great majority of gardeners also choose to begin their comfrey crops with a live root cutting or transplant due to the relative ease and simplicity of this method over germinating seeds. Check your local farms and nurseries for the best options close to you!
How to germinate a comfrey seed?
Now, the first thing you need to do in order to germinate your comfrey seeds is to break their dormancy cycle. This can be achieved through “stratification,” or the process of mimicking cold, moist winter conditions.
What is the NPK of a comfrey leaf?
According to researchers in British Columbia, the NPK rating of dried comfrey leaves is 1.8-0.5-5.3.
How to separate a comfrey patch from a tree?
Additionally, if you are planting your comfrey near trees or shrubs, consider digging a trench into the portion of the soil that will separate the intended comfrey patch from the trees or shrubs. The root system of the other plants can detect the recent fertilization present in the soil and migrate into the comfrey bed unless a barrier is present.
What type of soil does a comfrey plant prefer?
Comfrey prefers clay soil but will flourish in a variety of settings provided it receives plenty of moisture. Prior to planting your comfrey, follow the same general recommendations you would for the preparation of any quality vegetable bed or garden. Carefully weed the existing ground.
How tall do comfrey leaves get?
If you are only growing comfrey for the leaves, you can begin harvesting when the plant is about two feet tall. Cut the leaves back to within a few inches of the crown. The leaves can be dried and turned into mulch, tea, or fermented plant juice for your other crops.
What does comfrey attract?
Additionally, adding comfrey to your garden will attract “predatory insects”. These are the types of beneficial bugs that will protect your plants from pests that they are otherwise susceptible to. Moreover, if you allow that comfrey crops to bloom, the flowers are beautifully colored cream, pink, and blue flowers.
How long is a comfrey root?
They’re simply pieces of root, usually 1-3 inches long so if you have a neighbor with comfrey plants go barter for some! Or you can just purchase some from us right here … hint, hint. While comfrey is extremely hardy it prefers fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0 and full sun to partial shade.
How big does a comfrey plant grow?
When picking a site for your comfrey you should also consider that each individual plant may grow up to 3 feet wide and comfrey has a tendency to spread quite a bit and be rather hard to dig out of gardens if you decide you don’t want it in a certain area anymore.
What is a comfrey bone?
Research your animals specifically before feeding though! Herbal Medicine. Comfrey has long been used as an herbal remedy and is often referred to as “knit bone” It has been used to treat a variety of ailments including acne, bone breaks, sprains, burns, and bronchial problems.
Is comfrey a good mulch?
It’s frequently used in permaculture and herbal medicine. Comfrey makes a great mulch and compost.
Can you grow comfrey from seed?
Personally I’ve never grown or known anyone to grow comfrey from seed but it’s totally possible. Comfrey root cuttings are often the chosen route because they’re readily accessible and they give your comfrey a jump start meaning that you can harvest sooner.
Can you cut back a comfrey plant?
Comfrey makes a great mulch and compost. It’s super hardy so you can cut it back and use the leaves for mulch. Mature plants can be cut multiple times per growing season.
Can comfrey be grown in hot areas?
Comfrey can survive as a perennial in areas with -40° F winter temperatures and does well in extremely hot areas, 120° F, as well (zones 3-8). As I previously mentioned it can also handle multiple harvests each season. Perfect right?
How big are comfrey leaves?
This medicinal herb is easy to identify, with its clumps of large, upright, 12 to 18-inch hairy green leaves, and characteristic drooping clusters of bell-shaped purple flowers. The ovate leaves grow rapidly and, if repeatedly cut down, comfrey can continue to flower all through the summer.
What Is Comfrey?
Comfrey is an herbaceous perennial member of the borage family. While there are over 30 known species, only a few are generally cultivated for human use.
Why is Comfrey used for healing?
It has been used both topically and internally for many centuries in Europe to help heal broken bones, bruises, burns, and wounds.
What is the name of the plant that grows in American gardens?
The plant most commonly grown in American gardens is S. x uplandicum, also known as Russian comfrey. It is a naturally occurring sterile hybrid of S. officinale and S. asperrimum. This popular variety is easier to manage than S. officinale since it does not proliferate by seed.
What is the botanical name for a comfrey?
It was used by the Greeks and Romans to heal broken bones and wounds. The word “comfrey” comes from the Latin verb confervere, and the botanical name Symphytum is derived from the Greek symphyo, with both meaning “grow together.”.
Can you dig up Russian comfrey?
Do not use infected plants for cuttings as this fungus an overwinter in the roots. You can also plant Russian comfrey, which is typically resistant, in areas known to be plagued by this disease.
What Is Comfrey?
Comfrey ( Symphytum officinale ) is an ancient, healing perennial herb in the borage family, that has been used for many centuries for medicinal purposes. Today comfrey is used as a soil enhancer and fertilizer for the garden.
How To Identify Comfrey
You can identify comfrey by looking closely at the flowers and leaves of the comfrey plant for certain characteristics. Mature plants can grow up to three feet tall and three feet wide.
Comfrey Uses In The Garden
Wear gloves when harvesting comfrey, because the leaves can cause skin irritation.
How to propagate a comfrey plant?
How to Propagate Comfrey by Division 1 Choose a large, healthy comfrey plant at least one whole growing season old. 2 Cut off the leaves. 3 Dig up the whole plant. Dig down at least six inches and gently lift the plant out. It will likely come in sections. 4 Pull gently to separate natural sections. 5 Long roots can be trimmed to make planting easier. Plant as cuttings. 6 Plant divisions out separately at the same depth and orientation (leaf side up) that they were when you dug them up. 7 Pat the dirt in gently around them. 8 Water.
How big do comfrey flowers get?
Simple. In less than a month (unless it is winter), you should see your comfrey plant begin to emerge. The first leaves will be only a couple inches long and oval. In the first year, it will grow a foot high and a couple feet wide. The following spring it will grow wider, and the flower heads will grow three feet high.
How many cuttings of comfrey can be produced in a year?
Biomass: Comfrey can produce up to seven cuttings in a year! Medicinal uses: Only for external uses, comfrey is highly effective for bee stings, sprains, and more. Fodder: Pollinators and poultry love this abundant herb. Beauty: The simple elegance of comfrey is a welcome sight in the forest garden.
Is comfrey a biomass?
Comfrey is possibly the most abundant temperate biomass crop, as well as a medicinal and fodder crop. Who wouldn’t want to grow this useful plant? Fortunately, it is also very easy to propagate. If you don’t have comfrey yet, it can easily be grown from root cuttings you find online. If you already have a plant, however, it could easily, ...
What is the color of comfrey?
Growing True Comfrey From Seeds. The flowers of True Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) are generally very richly arrayed and colored dark purple. The leaves are lance-shaped and not so broad as those of Russian Comfrey. True Comfrey is really the nicest of the Comfrey clan in my opinion.
How long does it take for a sage tree to grow?
Seedlings grow fast and in time send down a good taproot. You really have to grow them for 2 years before adequate root yield can be obtained. In the mean time, the leaves can be harvested, preferably just prior to flowering. In Zones 4 to 8, it would seem reasonable to expect a summer harvest of leaf in the first year, and at least 2 harvests of aerial parts per summer in successive years.
Is Comfrey a good plant?
True Comfrey is really the nicest of the Comfrey clan in my opinion. From the luscious leaves to the thick, mucilage-laden roots I find nothing to compare. For years I thought Comfrey did not make seed, because I was not aware of the true plant, which is seed-productive, although the seeds are not so easy to collect. The seeds ripen and drop on an ongoing basis. They are large, shiny and black, wedge-shaped yet rounded, smooth and sensual to the touch.
How to grow comfrey?
If you decide to grow a lot of comfrey, you can make a liquid fertilizer out of its trimmings. You can easily make it in a food-grade bucket or barrel. Fill 3/4 of the your container with comfrey trimmings, and then fill with water. You’ll want to cover it and let it steep for 3-6 weeks.
How hot can a comfrey plant survive?
It’s frost tolerant and hardy in zones 4-9. The leaves can take temperatures of 15 degrees and still survive, and the roots can survive to -40 degrees!
How many types of comfrey are there?
There are at least 35 recognized types of comfrey that have been cultivated. By far, the most common type found is “Bocking 14″—a Russian comfrey ( Symphytum x uplandicum ). It’s actually just a hybrid of common comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) and rough comfrey ( Symphytum asperum ).
Why should I plant a comfrey under a fruit tree?
The main reason I suggest planting comfrey under fruit trees is the potassium boost trees will get by having it near. Potassium is one of the essential minerals needed for proper growth and reproduction. The deep tap root captures potassium and other nutrients far below the surface, making them available as mulch when the plant dies back each season. These nutrients are slowly released back into the soil as the leaves decompose.
What is a comfrey plant?
One of my favorite herbs, the comfrey plant, is a multitasking master. It can be used as a nutrient-rich mulch, a beautiful pollinator attractor, and a “compost booster”. Additionally, it has been used a medicine for at least 2500 years. Read on to learn why you need this spectacular plant in your own garden.
Why is comfrey called symphytum?
Its Latin name, Symphytum, comes from Greek words meaning “growing together of bones” and “plant’”. Besides being used to mend broken bones it’s also used for healing wounds and lung ailments, stopping heavy bleeding, and for topical skin treatments.
Where do comfrey roots get their nutrients?
Olichel / Pixabay. As mentioned before, comfrey’s deep tap roots pull out nutrients from much further down in the soil than most other plants. A lot of these nutrients end up in above-ground plant parts: leaves, stems, and flowers. This wealth of nutrients can easily be shared with the rest of your garden!
