How long does it take for comfrey seeds to grow?
Germination and Transplanting: Comfrey seeds typically take up to 30 days to germinate, depending on temperature and stratification success. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into the garden. Comfrey grows quickly and when it is cut back hard, new leaves should quickly emerge from the base until the whole aboveground portion of the plant dies back for winter. The leaves for medical use are harvested in early summer before the plant flowers, the roots are harvested in the autumn.The leaves are more gentle in the way they work and are easier to harvest. Plus, it is easier to create topical poultices with the leaves than the root. Comfrey root, however, contains more mucilage, so in circumstances where you may want to soothe a “hot/dry” condition, the roots may be more effective.So, growing comfrey in the garden to support soil health and prevent pests within your food garden is a good move. Just don’t eat the plant.Comfrey grows best in partial to full sun in moist, fertile soil. Comfrey is propagated by root cuttings or crown divisions. Comfrey can be planted throughout the growing season but establishes best when planted in the spring. Maintain moderate soil moisture, especially when plants are young.The best place for growing comfrey is in a permanent bed, but that isn’t possible for everyone. Even if you don’t have space for growing direct, you can still enjoy many of the benefits of comfrey by growing it in containers.
Where is the best place to grow comfrey?
In the wild, common comfrey thrives in moist, fertile, deep soil in a sunny position or in partial shade. It grows best in neutral to slightly acid soils. 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.Frost tolerant Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.Comfrey compost tea can help overall growth, and encourage better flowering as well as more vigorous growth in perennials and mature fruiting vegetable plants (i.A comfrey plant is a must-have in any organic garden. Garden comfrey has high nutrient content and can be cut several times in a season. Comfrey is very easy to grow and harvest, producing large quantities of leaves that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – all nutrients needed by growing plants.Comfrey will grow in pots (at least 3 gallon), containers such as plastic tubs, or 5-gallon plastic buckets but they do better when not grown in a pot. They have deep roots so prefer growing in the garden where they get more nutrients. The containers need drainage holes in the bottom.
What are the benefits of comfrey seeds?
Comfrey will put nutrients into the soil, mulch trees, and shrubs, prevent weeds, feed livestock, attract beneficial pollinators, and make quick compost tea. Comfrey seed is by nature a low germination seed. On average expect 25% germination. Both active topical comfrey formulations were effective in relieving pain and stiffness and in improving physical functioning and were superior to placebo in those with primary osteoarthritis of the knee without serious adverse effects.You can simply add comfrey leaves and stalks directly into your compost bin. Comfrey leaves are richer in nutrients than many plants due to their deep roots. Comfrey leaves also boast high levels of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus, which are probably the three most important nutrients for plant feed.Comfrey is considered a compost activator because it helps heat the compost pile. The leaves can be used as a mulch or side dressing. Vegetables that use extra potassium, like tomatoes and potatoes, love being tucked in with a layer or two of Comfrey leaves beside them.Osteoarthritis: In people with knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative wear-and-tear joint condition, comfrey ointment has been shown to significantly relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and improve function.People should only use comfrey preparations made from the leaves and avoid those made from the root. Less. Comfrey has a long history of use as a topical agent for treating wounds, skin ulcers, thrombophlebitis, bruises, and sprains and strains.
Is a comfrey plant easy to grow?
Growing Comfrey Plants Growing this herb is super easy. Propagation can be done with seed, division, or separation. Sow comfrey seeds in fall or early spring directly in the garden or in a cold frame and pot seedlings to be over-wintered inside. Growing Comfrey Plants Sow comfrey seeds in fall or early spring directly in the garden or in a cold frame and pot seedlings to be over-wintered inside. Division of comfrey herb plants may occur at any time, however, spring is suggested.Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the trays or pots in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Germination and Transplanting: Comfrey seeds typically take up to 30 days to germinate, depending on temperature and stratification success.Comfrey seeds grow best when they are raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established. Fill trays, punnets or jiffy pots with a good quality seed-raising mix, or use soil starter pellets. Sow seeds 5mm deep. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.I have experimented quite a bit with various planting locations. I find that comfrey is most prolific in full sun to part shade. I do have a few in full shade that are doing fine, they just don’t grow as fast or get as large. When planting new comfrey, keep it well mulched, fertilized and watered.
What is the lifespan of a comfrey plant?
Comfrey is a native perennial and medicinal plant. In a suitable habitat, the plant can live for up to 20 years. The genus Comfrey (Symphytum) is made up of about 40 species native to Eurasia and North Africa and belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Comfrey contains phenolic acids and other antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, slowing the ageing process and retaining its youthful appearance.The therapeutic properties of comfrey are based on its antiinflammatory and analgesic effects. Comfrey also stimulates granulation and tissue regeneration, and supports callus formation (Kommission E, 1990a, 1990b).The medicinal uses of comfrey have become controversial since the identification of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids-content, substances known for their toxicity in humans.Despite safety concerns, some people use comfrey for bruises, osteoarthritis, sprains, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. The US FDA has recommended that all comfrey products that are taken by mouth be removed from the market due to serious safety concerns.Comfrey has been consumed by humans as a vegetable and a tea and used as an herbal medicine for more than 2000 years. Comfrey, however, produces hepatotoxicity in livestock and humans and carcinogenicity in experimental animals.
Can I plant comfrey in the fall?
Comfrey can be planted from April to September as long as the soil can be worked, but planting in spring is best. They are best planted in very early spring in outdoor conditions, or given a good 30 days moist refrigeration before planting in the greenhouse or receptive garden bed. 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.Germination and Transplanting: Comfrey seeds typically take up to 30 days to germinate, depending on temperature and stratification success. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into the garden.Keep soil moist but never wet or dry. Seeds should germinate in around 25-30 days at a soil temperature of 20-22°C. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (usually 5-10cm tall). Plant out, spacing plants 60cm apart.
Will comfrey come back every year?
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a hardy perennial wildflower that thrives along riverbanks and in grasslands. Comfrey is a plant that grows in parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. While it may help with wounds and joint pain, healthcare professionals warn against eating it due to the risk of liver damage. Comfrey, also known as Symphytum officinale, is a plant that can grow up to five feet tall.I note that the Food Standard Code includes comfrey (as Symphytum asperum, Symphytum officinale, and Symphytum x uplandicum) in Schedule 23 as a prohibited plant.Growing comfrey is not illegal in the United States. For this reason, comfrey products for internal consumption are no longer available for sale in the United States and other countries. However, comfrey is popularly used topically (applied to the skin).Symphytum officinale, commonly called comfrey, is a large, coarse, tuberous-rooted, clumping perennial (to 3′ tall and 2. Large, pointed, hairy, ovate-lanceolate, dark green basal leaves grow to 8” long.