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.
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.
What does comfrey look like with fuzzy leaves?
This type has wooly, fuzzy leaves, and delicate pink flowers. It grows about three feet tall and makes seeds. Russian Comfrey ( Symphytum u plandicum) sports deep green wooly foliage and bell-shaped purple flowers. It’s taller than common comfrey, and it can become invasive if you let it.
What kind of soil do comfrey plants like?
A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal, but it can tolerate slightly alkaline soil as well. Comfrey plants like an even amount of soil moisture. They have some drought tolerance once they're established but prefer at least a moderate level of moisture.
How fast does comfrey spread?
Strong, mature plants on a 3 foot grid will have the larger outside leaves touching the adjacent plants after 4 to 5 weeks growth. Comfrey can also be grown indoors, in pots (1 to 5 gallon size) for a continuous harvest of fresh, small leaves.
Does comfrey grow back every year?
Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.
Does comfrey spread by roots?
Many people worry that comfrey will become invasive and spread. Our comfrey does not produce viable seed and stays in place. It will only spread if disturbed because any piece of comfrey root will make a new plant. So any digging or rototilling near comfrey will result in new plants.
How deep does comfrey grow?
2-6 inchesQuick Reference Growing GuidePlant Type:Perennial herbBlue, purple/greenPlanting Depth:2-6 inches (roots), 1/2 inch (seed)Butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinatorsHeight:3-4 feetGreen manure, mulch, tea fertilizer, topical herbal remedySpread:3-4 feetBoraginaceaeWater Needs:ModerateSymphytum7 more rows•Feb 21, 2021
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.
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.
Why did FDA ban comfrey?
The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in comfrey can cause severe liver damage, liver cancer, mutagenicity, and even death. [8,9] For this reason, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the sale of oral comfrey products in the United States.
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.
Is comfrey good for the garden?
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.
How do you stop comfrey from spreading?
Smother the Plant Smothering is also effective at stopping comfrey from growing and spreading. Cut it down; you want it level with the ground. Cut large plastic sheets to cover the entire plant. You can set them in place, then use stakes or rocks to keep them there.
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.
How long does it take to grow comfrey?
Comfrey can be grown from seed, but it requires a winter chilling period to germinate. It's also not unusual to sow the seeds and not see any germination for two years.
How do you overwinter comfrey?
Overwintering. When the plants die back in the winter, cover them with a heavy layer of mulch or manure. This will protect the roots from truly cold temperatures and give them a boost for the coming year.
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.
What is the difference between comfrey root and comfrey leaf?
The root has a black outside and fleshy whitish inside filled with juice. Comfrey preparations are made from the leaves or other parts of the plant grown above the ground. New leaves tend to have more of the poisonous pyrrolizidine alkaloids than older leaves.
How do you stop comfrey from spreading?
Smother the Plant Smothering is also effective at stopping comfrey from growing and spreading. Cut it down; you want it level with the ground. Cut large plastic sheets to cover the entire plant. You can set them in place, then use stakes or rocks to keep them there.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is comfrey rust resistant to rust?
Comfrey can also be susceptible to comfrey rust, which is a fungus that can reduce plant yield. It’s primarily a problem only in the U.K. The blocking 14 variety is resistant to rust.
What is the root of a comfrey plant?
Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments. The roots of leaves of the comfrey plant contain chemical substances called allantoin and rosmarinic acid. Allantoin boosts the growth of new skin cells, while rosmarinic acid helps relieve pain and inflammation.
What is comfrey used for?
bruises. burns. joint inflammation. Europeans have also used comfrey to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and gout. Some traditional healers have also used it to treat diarrhea and other stomach ailments.
Does Comfrey root help with back pain?
A study reported in Phytotherapy Research. also suggests that creams containing comfrey root can help relieve upper and lower back pain.
Is Comfrey good for joint pain?
People still use comfrey as an alternative remedy for joint and muscle pain, as well as closed wounds. It’s available at many health stores and pharmacies as. ointments. creams. other topical solutions. salves that also contain other herbs, such as aloe and goldenseal.
Can you use comfrey on open wounds?
Many experts also advise against using topical comfrey on open wounds. But comfrey may be acceptable for short-term use on your skin and closed wounds. You can purchase topical comfrey preparations from many health stores. Talk to your doctor before using them to learn more about the potential benefits and risks.
Can you take comfrey by mouth?
You should never take comfrey by mouth. You should also avoid using it on open wounds. Comfrey may be safe to apply to your skin or closed wounds for short periods. Always talk to your doctor before using products that contain it. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks.
Does Comfrey help with wound healing?
Some clinical research supports the claim that comfrey has wound-healing powers. For example, a research review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine found some evidence that comfrey can help heal abrasion wounds.
How To Grow Comfrey
Comfrey is a versatile plant worth having in your garden. It is a low-maintenance, high-yield plant. It can be planted in summer, spring, or fall. Planting in spring is ideal. Comfrey does best in zones 3-9 but will grow just about anywhere. The easiest and most common way to get comfrey plants started in your garden is from root cuttings.
How To Care For Comfrey
Among the many things I love about comfrey, one of its best attributes is that it thrives on minimal care. As a baby plant, it will need constant moisture to get established, but once it’s looking big and happy, you don’t have to worry about your comfrey dying in a dry spell. I’ve let 2 to 3 weeks pass between waterings for established plants, and they were absolutely fine.
Using Comfrey In Your Garden
With its long taproot and sprawling root system, comfrey can draw nutrients from deep in the earth up to its leaves. A good way to get these nutrients spread around your garden is with the leaves. Luckily, comfrey likes to be harvested.
Medicinal Uses
Comfrey has been used for thousands of years, across many cultures and parts of the world, as a medicine. Some ailments that may be healed by comfrey include:
History
The use of comfrey as a healing herb dates back to 400 BC. The word comfrey comes from the Latin word which means “grow together”. This name is appropriate, due to its early uses in Greek and Roman civilizations. These ancient civilizations used poultices to treat external ailments such as heavy bleeding, wounds, and broken bones.
Related Questions
Your comfrey plants can get big, about 2-3 feet in width and height, so you may wonder if you should cut it back. Absolutely get in the habit of cutting back your comfrey plant. Allow it to get established and reach its first flowering. Once you notice that it’s going to flower, go ahead and chop it back. The plant will regrow vigorously.
Rooting For Comfrey
Adding comfrey to your garden will bring many benefits. The leaves of the plant can be used as a natural mulch and fertilizer, the flowers will attract pollinators, and you will have a natural remedy at your fingertips for several common ailments. With very little maintenance needed and its tolerance to mild drought, you can’t go wrong with adding a few comfrey plants to your garden..
What zone does Comfrey grow in?
This perennial herb grows in USDA growing zones 3-9. Although comfrey is tolerant of a variety of growing conditions, I’ve found it grows best in full to partial sun and in rich, loosened soil. The more compacted the soil is, the more shade it prefers.
What are the benefits of growing comfrey?
Ecological Benefits of Growing Comfrey. Attracts pollinators with its blue, pink, purple, or white bell-shaped flowers. Provides habitat for beneficial insects under its huge leaves, which helps to keep the garden pest-free. Fertilizes with nutrient-rich mulch. Use the fast-growing leaves as a fertilizing green mulch or green manure.
What to do with comfrey leaves?
Use the fast-growing leaves as a fertilizing green mulch or green manure. Here are one gardener’s soil test results before and after mulching with comfrey. Check out 7 uses for comfrey in the permaculture garden. Grow comfrey’s cousin, borage, in the vegetable garden.
What are the different types of comfrey?
There are two types of comfrey that gardeners most commonly grow: 1 True/Common comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) 2 Russian comfrey ( Symphytum x uplandicum) also called the Bocking 14 cultivar.
How often should I cut back a comfrey plant?
Because true comfrey is a prolific grower, you can cut the foliage back four to five times per year for mulch or green manure without harming the plant. However, true comfrey is most commonly grown for medicinal purposes. Buy true comfrey as seed, live root, or plant. I like starting true comfrey from seed.
How deep should I plant Russian Comfrey?
Additionally, digging a small hole for planting root cuttings is easier than the larger hole needed for mature plants. Dig a small hole 2 inches deep in clay soil or 4 inches deep in sandy soil. Lay the root cutting down laterally and cover ...
Does comfrey help with bruises?
I use a comfrey poultice on bruises, and it helped me heal a scar on my face.
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 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.”.
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.
Is it hard to top a plant?
It is hard to top a plant that can improve soil, support fruit trees, attract pollinators, add beauty, and provide medicine all at the same time.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
