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. 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.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.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.Propagating Comfrey: Here’s How If you already have a perennial, you can easily propagate it. The plants have great regenerative power and individual root pieces grow into strong new plants.
When to plant comfrey seedlings?
Planting Time Comfrey can be started either directly outdoors at the end of frost season, or indoors 6-8 weeks before the end of frost season. Comfrey is also a valued companion plant in the garden or orchard. Because of its large, deep root system, it works as a ‘bio-accumulator’ drawing nutrients up from the soil.Comfrey begins growth in early-April and by early May compact clusters of young leaves are visible in the crown of the old plant. Within a few weeks, the leaf blades with long petioles have grown to over 12 in.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.Frost tolerant Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.
Does comfrey grow quickly?
Comfrey grows quickly. In just a few weeks of spring, it can reach a height of over 12 inches. 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.Comfrey provides high levels of digestible protein and Vitamin A. Cows, Goats, Sheep, Etc. Our Bocking #4 Comfrey is much appreciated by cattle, dairy cows, goats, horses, pigs, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, chinchillas.Comfrey contains phenolic acids and other antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals, slowing the ageing process and retaining its youthful appearance.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.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.
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. Yes, common comfrey can be transplanted in a pot that is large enough to hold its root system and allows for drainage.Comfrey is extremely easy to grow and will thrive in just about any soil. Full sun to full shade. Comfrey is very easily grown from root pieces or crown divisions.The medicinal uses of comfrey have become controversial since the identification of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids-content, substances known for their toxicity in humans.
Where does comfrey grow best?
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. The best time to plant comfrey is in mid to late march depending on your growing zone. If your ground is still frozen in march, plant the root in a pot and then transplant out when the soil is workable. It is fairly easy to get your cutting to grow.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.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.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 good companion plants for comfrey?
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. Fresh leaves are eaten by pigs, sheep, and poultry, but are frequently unpalatable to cattle and rabbits. Cattle and rabbits will eat the wilted forage. Horses, goats, chinchillas, and caged birds are also fed this forage.You wouldn’t think animals would not like to eat comfrey because of the tiny hairs on comfrey leaves, but sheep, pigs and chickens don’t mind. Even rabbits and cattle will eat comfrey when it’s wilted or dried as hay, according to the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.Animal fodder – Comfrey has a long history for use as an animal feed. Lawrence D Hills dedicated books to this topic. The leaves are best received by animals wilted. Fresh leaves can be eaten by pigs, sheep, and poultry but cattle, rabbits and horses will only consume wilted leaves.Comfrey contains compounds that are toxic to the liver and animal experiments suggest it can cause liver cancer. Comfrey has been confused with foxglove, a poisonous plant with similar leaves.
Does the comfrey plant come back every year?
Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring. It might start growing a little if your medium is damp. The best time to plant Comfrey is in mid to late March depending on your growing zone. If your ground is still frozen in March, plant the root in a pot and then transplant out when the soil is workable. It is fairly easy to get your cutting to grow.Comfrey grows in full sun to partial shade, needing at least three hours of direct sunlight. In warmer areas, ensure it receives afternoon shade.Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.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.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.