Comfrey, True (Symphytum officinalis) root crown cutting, organic
$5.00 – $390.90
Please note: True comfrey root crown cuttings are shipped year ’round. When you order them, you can expect to receive your roots via us mail about 2 weeks from the order date. If you require a different shipping window, please let us know by using the “order comments” field at checkout. When planted in the garden or in a large pot by completely covering the root cutting with soil, comfrey roots will grow for anyone, any time.
Family: Borage (Boraginacea)
Hardy in Zones 3 to 9
Herbaceous perennial native to Europe. True Comfrey is the original herb as detailed in all the ancient literature. Traditional usage (TWM): used externally to speed healing. Source of allantoin, which proliferates cell growth, making things grow faster, which is one of the reasons it is so often employed in an orchard and garden context–it is the quintessential all-around companion plant. True Comfrey prefers full sun and regular garden soil. Good drainage is helpful (add sand and organic matter to clayey soil) and frequent watering is also helpful. To plant a true comfrey root, find a spot with good sun and rich soil. Plant the root with root down and crown up, burying the crown by at least an inch of soil. Water the spot. The Comfrey will soon send leaves up through the soil surface and… you’re off! After the plant reaches the late flowering stage, simply cut it back and lay the leaves back down on the crown. It will regrow through its own mulch.
Crown Cutting, Certified Organically Grown
Uses: Comfrey is commonly used in permaculture as a companion plant to fruit trees. In the nursery, we have great results making the fresh leaves into biodynamic tea, which we apply to our plants in a pot to increase vitality, growth, and to green up all those leaves! Excellent ingredient for compost piles–fresh leaves compost fast and make a nitrogen-rich compost! Fresh, rubbed leaves fed to ruminants, pigs and chickens to increase health and as a protein-rich nutrient dense feed. Traditional usage of fresh or dried leaves or roots (TWM): used externally to speed healing. Source of cell-proliferating molecule alantoin.
What is a root crown cutting? A chunk of the crown of the plant (the blocky part above the taproots), often with a piece of the taproot attached. Size is variable. We give generous cuttings, from 2 to 6 inches long, generally as big around as your thumb, often larger, sometimes smaller–a mix. These are the SAME CUTTINGS that we use for replanting our own fields, and horticulturally speaking, this is the best size and shape to replant in order to get fast results. This is NOT just a piece of the taproot, which generally takes longer to grow to a full sized plant than the more desirable crown cutting.
How to plant: Space the plants at least 2 feet apart. Comfrey prefers rich soil of medium moisture in the sun to part shade. It is a heavy feeder and will reach monumental size if given composted manure under the cutting at transplant and/or around the crown of the plant during the growth cycle. To plant the cutting, prepare a weed-free area of 1 foot square, fertilize the spot with compost, then bury the cutting in the center of that spot, completely covering the cutting with soil to the depth of 1 or 2 inches. Do not leave the cutting exposed–let it sprout spontaneously up through the soil. This will take about 2 weeks–you will see the bright green leaves emerging.
How to care for comfrey plants: Keep the planting reasonably well watered. It works very nicely to mulch the plant with straw, other high-carbon mulch, or even its own leaves, cut from the plant and laid back down around the crown. This is the standard way to take care of comfrey–when it finishes flowering and starts to keel over, cut it down and use the leaves for any of the multitude of applications comfrey leaves are good for, or simply lay the leaves back down on the crown of the plant and let it grow back through its own mulch. In the temperate zone, this cycle usually occurs 2 or three times per summer. The only way to get rid of comfrey is to stop watering it and let the plant dry out, or to drown the plant in water. Otherwise, the plant will stay around. Many people plant comfrey in the orchard, as it brings up minerals from deep within the earth that are good for fruit trees, and because it nourishes the trees with its fallen and composted leaves. The above directions are suitable for comfrey culture in orchards, and traditionally at least one plant is planted per tree. You can mow over the plants if necessary–they will re-emerge.
For more information on use of comfrey in the home garden and for use of comfrey in herbal medicine, including appropriate directions for safe usage in home health care, please read “Growing Plant Medicine” and “Making Plant Medicine.”
Question
Rhonda Leach –
Hi…I live in central coastal Maine, zone 4-5ish. Can I plant comfrey inside now during the winter…or should I wait to order int the spring?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Rhonda, Thanks for staying in touch. The best approach would be to plant the roots exactly where you want the plants, and do it in the spring. Richo
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Question
Sassfrazz –
Hi Richo, I am so glad that I came across your website as I have been searching for the True Comfrey. I have a question….. I live in South Louisiana between zones 8 & 9. would the True Comfrey Root Cuttings be ok to plant in couple of weeks since the shipping will take about that long or Is there a way that I could store the root crowns till spring without them dying ?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Sassfraz, Thanks for writing! The best way to store comfrey is by planting it right away. You’ll do fine in an 8 to 9 planting true comfrey in the late fall. Make sure you completely cover the root with soil and mark it so you know what it is when it emerges. Richo
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Sazzfrazz –
Ok, Great ! Thank You So Much ! I Can’t Wait To Receive My Babies !!! The Most Exciting Thing To Happen Being A Gardener/ Herbalist Is Watching Your Plants ( My Babies ) Grow 🙂
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Question
Shurlia –
Hi, I’m in zone 5 Indiana. Wondering if I can plant one with my elderberry seeds indoors this winter? In spring time, transplant them to the yard.
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Richo Cech –
hello shurlia, this would be quite possible. with luck the allantoin will stimulate the elderberry seeds. richo
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Question
Ronda –
Is it too late to plant comfrey root crowns outdoors in south Louisiana Zone 9?
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Richo Cech –
hi ronda, not too late, actually a very good time in your zone and in this season. Make sure to completely bury the cutting in soil Emergence is rapid. richo
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Joan –
What is a good time of year to plant comfrey root in the North Georgia mountains? Our night time temps are starting to drop below freezing but daytime can be 40’s to 70’s.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Joan, thanks for writing. Comfrey has 2 planting windows–spring and fall. Sounds like your fall is getting cold, maybe best to wait until spring.
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Question
Merry Anne Adair –
It’s November 6, & I’m in Southern Iowa, the temps are in the 50’s but will soon get colder. Is it too late to plant outside or will the comfrey grow in a pot in the house til spring?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Merry Anne,
Love Iowa. It is a bit late to plant comfrey now in iowa. yes, you could keep it in a pot on the windowsill and keep it cut back over the winter and outplant it in the spring. if that would be amusing to you, then go for it! but in practical terms it might make more sense to just get the cutting in the spring and plant it. sometime after easter, when the frozen puddles finally melt… richo
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Question
Brent Waggoner –
Will this comfrey spread by seed?
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Richo Cech –
hi brent, thanks for writing. yes. if you want a sterile hybrid, choose “russian comfrey” richo
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Question
Alexandra DeCesaro –
Am I able to plant this in the ground during fall?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Alexandra,
Thanks for writing. Yes, fall is a great time to plant comfrey. If you’re in a cold zone 6 or lower, it might make sense to get the potted plant instead of the crown cutting. Actually either option will work.
Richo
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Question
Jaclyn (verified owner) –
Would like to know if it is a good idea to plant comfrey about 18 inches from the root of fruit tree. My plan is to put comfrey leaves as mulch for the fruit trees.
Question: will the proximity of comfrey disturb the fruit tree root?
Thank you
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Richo Cech –
Hi jaclyn, That sounds OK, it will definitely not hurt the roots of the fruit tree. Generally in the orchard what I like to see is comfrey planted further out–around the dripline. I manage the comfrey just like the rest of the covercrops and grasses in the orchard–by mowing. If its too close to the tree it might be hard to mow it down after growth peak. Just saying. richo
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jmfsenior (verified owner) –
Feel in love with her as soon as I saw her. Darling little crown healthy as can be. In a couple weeks green and thriving in a gulf coaster spring. Now I’m wondering why it took me so long to add her to the garden.
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Richo Cech –
I thought you were going to make a poem, so i will, because. . . I must.
My True Comfrey Plant
Pretty little darling,
Pointed leaves unfurling,
Fell in love as soon as I saw her
Thriving like a gulf coaster
There in her pot and saucer.
I let it go so long
So we could both be strong.
Richo
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itatane (verified owner) –
Owing to the uncertainties of NEONWPA weather, I started it in my 47 degree basement under an LED shop light, in a 1 gallon pail. Kept it evenly watered every few days, and it is doing exceedingly well. (6 inch sprouts above the soil!) My only regret is that I did not order more root cuttings.
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Question
Kalili –
Hello, I have some comfrey currently that must have crossed, none having the True Comfrey leaf pattern, they resemble the Russian Comfrey. One plant has white blossoms, others very pale lavender. My question, how many feet away should I plant True Comfrey to avoid it crossing with these plants? The Bumble Bees love my comfrey, so is it possible in a city home lot to get the Comfreys separated enough to maintain the True Comfrey?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Kalili, Thanks for writing. True comfrey won’t cross with Russian comfrey because Russian comfrey is a sterile hybrid. Richo
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spice.farm (verified owner) –
As usual, super healthy crowns arrived in mailbox yesterday morning, in the earth again yesterday afternoon. Looking forward to watching these beauties grow into my orchard
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Richo Cech –
hello spice, thanks for taking the time to write. we’re super stoked to be a small part of integrating comfrey into your orchard. thanks for caring for the land, richo
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Melissa (verified owner) –
I was negligent and didn’t mark where I planted my cutting Then, a few days later, I dug it up accidentally and broke off part of the new growth! But now I have TWO plants coming up. These cuttings are ditz-proof. And, they are doing great in partial shade in zone 9B.
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Robert –
I read on the Russian comfrey comments you recommend doing true comfrey in zone 10a (southern california) because Russian comfrey goes flat in hotter weather. I wanted to confirm you’d recommend this true comfrey which says up to zone 8 vs Russian says up to zone 9.
Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Robert, Thanks for writing. Questions like this are always so helpful to all of us. Zone recommendations are a general guide and meant to reassure the timid. Advanced growers tend to find ways around limitations, within reason, specifically by employing microsite planting. In a Z 10 I would plant the true comfrey in a shaded area, which makes sense when using it under trees to improve their health.. This fall I was standing in a dense comfrey patch reaching up to pluck clusters of plump red apples from a tree, sometimes as many as 4 to a twig, pulling them down 2 at a time, I have large hands, and putting them in a deep flat without bruising. The comfrey around my knees, the red orbs against the blue sky, it all suddenly made sense–the comfrey was responsible for the high yield and the unblemished fruit. I checked the zonal recommendations online and fixed one error. I checked pages 255 to 256 of “Growing Plant Medicine Vol 1” and found russian comfrey recommended for z 4 to 8 and true comfrey for z 3 to 9, which does make sense. richo
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Question
Dustin Bryant (verified owner) –
Hello Richo,
Can you make a comfrey tea from dried comfrey roots to establish a brand new planted live true comfrey roots to expedient growth of this plant?
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Richo Cech –
him dustin, comfrey root in tea is pretty glommy, i’d use the leaves for tea, and yes, such a tea, cooled of course, will make anything grow faster. it is the veritable ent-draught of the herbal garden. r
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d.bryant1a.z (verified owner) –
Thank you Richo for your suggestion on this. I made am aerated comfrey and fresh Aloe leaf together for 48 hours. It looks fairly dark in color. Should this be diluted or just use it as it is in my garden? Thank you again
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Richo Cech –
hi, aeriating the fpj is a good practice to keep it really fresh. normally, yes, this is filtered and diluted before use. richo
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Question
Lee –
Can you ship to Canada?
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Richo Cech –
hi lee, we cannot ship comfrey roots to canada. we can ship comfrey seeds to canada. richo
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Question
Hope –
I’m in northern Minnesota and would love to grow Comfrey outside for my chickens and veggies. I know zone 3b is out of its preferred range. Any ideas or options? Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
hello hope, thanks for contacting. some sources list comfrey at zone 3 to 9, so actually you would be in. Comfrey is such a vigorous grower, I think you can just go for it. I would suggest maybe getting 6 of the russian comfrey–that would serve your purposes, and it is a bit more vigorous than the true comfrey. richo
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Question
Jeanne –
which of the comfrey is the ‘invasive’ type? & why is it so bad that it’s invasive? why wouldn’t anyone want more comfrey?
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Richo Cech –
hi jeanne, we aren’t the ones saying that comfrey is invasive or bad. true comfrey makes seeds that can drop and produce more plants, which is what happens with hundreds of common perennials. russian comfrey resprouts from any little piece left in the ground so it is best to plant it somewhere out of the way. richo
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Question
Ann –
I would like to order comfrey. I live in Iowa. Is it so hot this time of year to ship bareroot?
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Richo Cech –
hi ann, we know its getting hot in iowa but it doesn’t really matter to the comfrey. we recommend the root cuttings, which will grow fine if you bury them deeply and keep moist. they are a slightly better buy than the potted plants, are larger, and ship sooner. an order made today will be received within 2 weeks. r
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KristenaHerrera –
I live in Prescott Valkey AZ. We have clay soil. Do you think comfrey would grow here if I amend the soil and make sure it has gentle partial sun
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Richo Cech –
hi kristena, you’re in a zone 7 to 8, that is not too hot for comfrey, you can make it work. the cure for clay is compost. make sure the cutting is completely buried and water occasionally–these are very dependable! Richo
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JoAnn McCulley (verified owner) –
These came very healthy and nicely packed. I can’t wait to see them grow.
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Question
Eimi –
Hi Richo, for zone 8b central TX, can/should comfrey be grown in full sun? Or should I provide it some shade because of summer heat? Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
hello eimi, very nice to hear from you. i do think comfrey needs part shade in 8b texas. if you can plant it in a place that stays cooler than 100 degrees f then you’ll avoid the “comfrey collapse” which is alarming but usually not fatal. r
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Question
Dustin Bryant (verified owner) –
Hello, thank you for all your efforts for those that are learning and growing together. What is your recommendation for companions in the garden to plant with comfrey and will tomatoes and basil would be a good fit?
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Dustin Bryant (verified owner) –
Thank you for the option to purchase these amazing True Comfrey live roots. I followed the the instructions that came with it, and while I am preparing my garden, I planted this live root into a 1 gallon pot with a fairly rich mulch/soil and to make sure it remains moist with good draining. I can say, this plant is very hearty and has been growing superbly. Thank you again.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Dustin, Comfrey is the quintessential companion to almost any tree or vegetable, because it breaks up hardpan, builds soil and promotes the growth of other plants nearby (allantoin effect). The one caveat is that if you dig through and disturb the comfrey roots, then you may end up with–only comfrey. Therefore if you plant your comfrey in a border to the garden and plant other things, tomatoes and carrots, sure, or beans, or what have you, then you can cultivate freely around the garden plants and not worry about the comfrey taking over carrot habitat. Around orchard trees, comfrey can just grow and spread right underneath and since it uses a different horizon then it will coexist and man is this helpful! richo
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Question
Lynnette Janes (verified owner) –
Question: how long will the comfrey root crown cutting remain viable in its shipping package? Can I leave it in your packaging for a week to ten days and still expect success upon spring planting?
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Richo Cech –
hi lynnette, thanks for contacting. probably best to store in fridge. my only concern would be if it would dry out, otherwise will stay viable for weeks. richo
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NP (Lynnette’s son) (verified owner) –
You were right! Stored root crown cutting in shipping package in garage fridge for almost three weeks before we were able to plant it. It’s coming up quite nicely now, thank you.
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Question
marthysgarden (verified owner) –
My comfrey was doing great then in March started to die. I live in South Florida USA zone 10. Did tje heat kill it? Any recommendations please.
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Richo Cech –
hi! right, it will look great, then flower, then start to look terrible. that’s when you cut it back to the crown. use the leaves or lay them back down on the plant and let it regrow through them. thats how to build soil with comfrey and keep them looking good. r
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Claire J. Barnwell (verified owner) –
My Comfrey is emerging and looks so healthy! Can’t wait to see the whole plant! All of the plants I’ve received from you are healthy, very well packaged for shipping and are doing very well. You folks are fantastic!
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Richo Cech –
hi claire, yes, pointy-leaved true comfrey coming up after being buried well beneath surface of soil and mulched. way to go! r
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Question
Ashley (verified owner) –
The temp was 15 degrees when I received this, it was in my mailbox for a full day, I planted it a week ago in a pot and have not seen any growth. Will it be ok?
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Richo Cech –
hi ashley, low temps in shipment aren’t a problem with comfrey, it will be OK. richo
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Question
Sylvia –
Will this spread?
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Richo Cech –
yes
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Marjorie Boggess (verified owner) –
I’d never had success growing comfrey from seeds, so I thought I’d give the cuttings a try. I went with five instead of one, “just in case” — no need! The cuttings arrived promptly, I brought them inside, forgot about them for a couple of days, and then potted them in 1 gal pots in good organic potting soil. Had the pots soaking in 2″ of water for the first 24 hours. I think the first one peeked out with new green growth within two days. Two weeks later, and they’re full and vigorous, and starting to make buds even though I have them hiding under a seedling table in a south-facing window. Hoping they can go outside soon, and be able to handle our summer heat (usually 34-35 days over 100, the rest of summer in the mid-high 90s until October).
Extremely pleased with this purchase so far. Thank you 🙂
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Question
Lynell –
11/27/2021, I live in zone 7B. Should I buy comfrey crown now or wait till after 1st frost (est. March 15)? Thanks, Lynell
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Richo Cech –
Hi! i think you should get it in the spring, it won’t grow much if you plant it now outdoors. r
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overlap_drawing0c –
How much root space does it need? Will comfrey be happy in a 15 gal grow bag?
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Richo Cech –
hi, i do think a growbag of that size is a reasonable choice. the branching taproot does get quite large. r
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Question
Laura M Scott (verified owner) –
Good day, Richo. I received my root crown cuttings yesterday and am ready to plant. The soil in which they are being planted is cool but still friable so I will follow the instructions given in answer to a previous question and fill the hole with compost, and then insulate with more compost and straw. My question is: how certain do I need to be at planting of the location? Can it be safely moved in the spring? The cuttings are beautiful, by the way. Thank you!
Laura
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Richo Cech –
Hi LAura, right, sounds like you’ve got it, make sure that the cutting is completely covered with soil, that is the only really important rule. Well, you can move them in the spring if you want. Consistent with the rules of transplant, cut back the tops to the crown before digging and relocating. Richo
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Crissy Crutchfield (verified owner) –
Beautiful and large crown cuttings that were already sending up shoots on arrival! A month later I’ve already gathered enough leaves to make 2 salves! Strictly medicinal has captured my heart and my business! ❤️
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Question
Lelia Cross –
Zone 7 SW Virginia. Fall or spring planting please. Thank you. Blessings
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Richo Cech –
Hello Lelia,
There are 2 best planting windows for comfrey–fall and spring. Since we’re not even in the fall season yet, there is still time to get this perennial plant started in your gardens. Fall planting in a Z 7 is quite an acceptable practice. r
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Question
john muckleroy jr –
I would like to know which strain of comfrey has the deepest ,biggest roots. I’ve read about bocking 4.I used to grow bocking 14 and the 14 did not produce a very big root.I an in east Texas and I have an area I want to plant that if the plant will drop a deep tap root it will be in all the water it can handle.
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Richo Cech –
Well, in general the advantage of hybrids is hybrid vigor, which in the case of russian comfrey does translate to a very large and deeply-delving taproot. I suppose there may be a kind that has bigger roots than what we offer, but its a bit of a stretch to imagine it. Richo
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Deanna Kunkel –
I live in zone 5, should I plant this in fall or wait until spring?
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Richo Cech –
Comfrey grows great in the fall, time to get started
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Richo Cech –
Hi Deanna, Comfrey grows wonderfully in the fall, you can go for it! Richo
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Question
Ren –
I live in a 6a hardiness zone (Michigan), and I am eager to purchase and plant these in the ground, so wondering if planting the crown cuttings in July would do well for True Comfrey and for Russian Comfrey (assuming we took all necessary measures to help it thrive, such as watering the plants frequently so that the soil/roots do not dry out while they are trying to get established, and providing shade protection from sun on non-overcast days). Thank you, in advance, for your help.
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Richo Cech –
Hello Ren,
I do think it makes sense to get an early start on the fall planting window for true comfrey as your zone is a bit cold. Some of the practices you mention are probably unnecessary–we dog true comfrey roots to order, send in peat, and when you receive, if you just plant the root to the garden or landscape making sure that it is completely covered with soil, then water it like you said, well, it always comes up. Thataway it can get well established before cold weather comes down and I would expect a few flowers this fall and then a really nice show come spring.
Richo
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Ren (verified owner) –
I received my True Comfrey crown cutting and Russian Comfrey crown cuttings, and I have a question: I know I am supposed to plant the root side down, but for a couple of the cuttings, the only thing visible is a small white nub-like protrusion. Also, one end is a little thicker in diameter than the other. I am very new at this, and I can’t figure out which side to plant downwards. Is there an easy way to tell for those crown cuttings without any visible roots? Also, if I accidentally plant it upside down, will that kill the crown cutting?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Ren,
Cuttings always consist of a piece of the crown of the plant with root subtended. Plant the cutting with the crown up and the root down. If you can’t figure out what is crown (chunky, and may have whitish or greenish parts) and root (columnar, tapering, wider at top, smaller at bottom), then just lay it sideways in the soil. Completely cover the entire thing we sent you with soil, then tamp and water. That will be fine. Richo
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Question
Casey Jones –
Can I plant this outside in the fall in zone 5b
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Richo Cech –
Hello Casey,
Yes, the best planting windows for comfrey roots are: Spring and fall. In your zone fall planted roots probably won’t flower but they will the following year. Richo
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Jaclyn (verified owner) –
So easy to grow from the root cutting I received, it just took off after I put it in ground. And as a bonus, the resident hummingbird took a liking to it….
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Question
Thanh –
Hi sir , I would like to buy 20 plants as crown cutting, price $5 each , is the crown l will receive look similar with long roots systems like the picture on this order, thank you for your replying,
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Richo Cech –
Hello Thanh,
The photo is of a medium-large plant that was dug and photographed. Such a plant would make 2 cuttings and it is quite possible that the long taproot would be cut back in order to fit in the bag. Here’s what we are aiming to do–give you a cutting that will respond quickly and regrow into a good plant. We don’t guarantee a particular size. We are well-known for providing generous comfrey starts.
Richo
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Thanh –
Thank you so much for verifying the roots size .
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Sam Hurley (verified owner) –
I ordered and planted last fall. Nice healthy chunks of root. All came up this spring and are doing well. Some already have beautiful rich purple flowers. Thanks again. You guys are the best. Sam
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Samuel Hurley (verified owner) –
Honestly. I the photo does not even do them justice. They really are pretty.
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Question
Devon –
Is this the Comfrey variety that had fertile seeds.I want the one that has fertile seeds.
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Richo Cech –
Hello Devon,
Yes, this is the right one, beautiful flowers, fertile seeds. Richo
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Question
Mills Andrea (verified owner) –
Hello!
I am going to follow the instructions for planting comfrey, when the ground is frozen. However, it seems that 10° outside would be to cold for the root in a gallon pot. i have a root cellar, would that be a better option for the comfrey root to over winter in?
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Richo Cech –
Hi there! The comfrey will not be damaged by frost if it is completely buried in the soil in the gallon pot and the pot is mulched and put in a sheltered place outside or in the root cellar. If you put it in the root cellar, it will probably begin to grow, and without light, the sprouts will probably elongate in search of light, and you’ll have to cut those off when you set the plant outdoors in the spring. If you put it outside, emergence will be normal, with green leaves, in the spring. I like to mulch with a deep layer of hydrated coir although peat moss will work, too. Richo
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Question
Eric Duescher –
Do these plants excape cultivation? I live in wisconsin, zone 5 a few years ago one appeared. In a very shaded spot under low cut plumb trees. I left it because I wanted to see what it grew into, I left it alone because it turned into a beautiful plant with cool flowers in shade where little else grew. Now I have a lot of them. Is grows very in shade. I have no idea where it would have came from since there not native.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Eric, Yes, Comfrey can certainly move around. In essence, all plants are native to somewhere and our concepts of which plants are native to an area exist only because of our lack of temporal perspective. You are right, Comfrey is quite beautiful and it certainly is appreciated not only by you, but by the plum tree. Richo
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Cynthia –
Is this the comfrey you use to make comfrey tea fertilizer
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Richo Cech –
Yes, this or russian comfrey–both may be utilized. r
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Question
Sandra –
I live in an urban area in Northern California. My goal is to grow something in my chicken run that will provide food for 8 hens. (addition to pellets, free range in yard and treats of scratch and mealy worms). I would like to plant comfrey as it sounds like it’s hardy and has use for chickens and my vegetable garden. It’s not an orchard and near the neighbors fence. Will I regret putting comfrey in the ground as it could grow under the fence and become uncontrollable?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Sandra, If you grow comfrey in your chicken run it will never get a chance to get big enough to become an invasive problem–the hens will keep it eaten down. It is high in protein and makes chickens make great eggs. Plant Russian Comfrey which stays put as long as you don’t disturb the roots. Richo
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kristen –
Is there anyway to place order, then request
shipping for later? I am moving in February to our new farm so I want to make sure the roots come there…
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Richo Cech –
Hi Kristen, We never run out of comfrey, so just order it and give us a current shipping address when you’re ready. Richo
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Question
Cassandra Herbert –
I planted true comfrey in a pot when I received it about six weeks or so ago. I live in Maryland and we have had some warm days. The comfrey has been growing. So has my Russian Comfrey. Should I cut back the leaves? I cut them back once. Also can I use the leaves?
Thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Cassandra, All seems well. You can cut back the leaves on an ongoing basis–it won’t damage the plant–read all about safe and effective ways to use comfrey leaves in “Making Plant Medicine.” Richo
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Cassandra Herbert –
Thank you Richo!! I will get your book Making Plant Medicine.
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Question
Michele –
I’d like to cultivate as much as possible in order to have regular comfrey baths throughout the year, so I’m looking for volume but also the maximum medicinal punch. Given this, what is your advice on which plant to buy?
Also, my understanding is that true comfrey seeds and spreads, and Russian does not. Is this correct?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Michele,
Thanks for getting in touch. Russian Comfrey stays put as long as you don’t disturb the roots. True comfrey will self-seed. For the purpose of maximum production I would recommend getting russian comfrey crown cuttings. When you receive them, make sure you bury them all the way in the soil and they will soon re-sprout. Russian comfrey gives highest yields.
Richo
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Martha Mesa –
I see Michelle’s question which is similar to mine and also I am concerned because I live in florida (very hot!!) and for this reason I purchased the true comfrey seeds. If I buy the russian comfrey (cold plant) will it grow here? I want to have high yields and be able to use it for long time. Thanks, Martha
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Richo Cech –
Hi Martha,
I too am unsure of the viability of comfrey in Florida. I made a study of the plants in hot weather this year and 110 degrees F flattened them. They did come back, though. My thought is that when they collapse like that, it is time to harvest the leaf, and maybe the weather will have cooled some2what by the time new leaves re-emerge from the crown. Richo
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Charlotte –
I wanted to comment about growing Comfrey in Florida. I really wanted to have them in my garden, mostly for fertilizing, but wasn’t sure if they can withstand the heat since we live in zone 10b. Rick was extremely helpful and pointed me towards True Comfrey. I received the roots in August, which is the hottest month here, so I kept the unopened package in the produce drawer in the fridge until October when I planted them. I purchased 3 roots but received 4 (thank you!) and they are all growing fine so far. I planted them underneath a Sea Grape so they are in the shade. So far so good, I will write an update after the summer.
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Melissa Koch –
Hi there,
I’m in Tucson and started my Russian Comfrey 3 weeks ago. It’s sprouted and we’re having a terribly hot dry summer. We’re a zone 9a. I’m guessing fall and winter will be when it really takes off. I’m wondering if the root will die in next season’s hot summer or if I can keep it cut low so it’s a perennial instead of an annual? Thank you
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Richo Cech –
Hi Melissa, This was left on the True Comfrey item so I don’t know which comfrey you have. Comfrey doesn’t do particularly well in intense heat. It does help to water it. Yes, if you keep it cut back, this will help limit respiration and will increase the root and crown. The only way to kill comfrey is to quit watering it–otherwise it will be perennial. Richo
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brianproessler –
What are the minimum sun requirements for comfrey, true? I’m in Madison WI, growing zone 5a. Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Brian,
The true comfrey will get by on dappled sunlight as is found under a tree, or maybe a minimum of 3 hours full sun daily. They are easy to grow, forgiving and quite beautiful plants.
Richo
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Charlotte Ferri –
I’m in zone 10a South Florida. Do you think I grow this from seed during the cooler season?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Charlotte, We just had 104 degree weather here and the comfrey really collapsed, so I’m not sure that comfrey is really a good choice for the american tropics. I do think that you could grow it as a winter annual, or maybe place the plants in the closest thing you have to cool, moist shade.
Richo
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charlottekirkholt –
Thank you! I just happen to read that someone has had success growing Bocking 14 in Florida, so I’m going to give it a try!
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Question
Judy Smith –
Which comfry is best for fertilizer tea? Thanks
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Richo Cech –
Hi Judy,
Russian Comfrey is often used in this context because the leaves are bigger. Otherwise the true comfrey makes just as good a fertilizer tea as does the Russian.
Richo
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Ruth Engelthaler –
I live in zone 9 in Phoenix Metropolitan area. I am an Urban gardener and have a comfrey plant that is languishing. I am wanting advise on where it might do best. Right now it is in a Southern Exposure and gets filtered shade half the day due to a large mulberry tree but I think the sun it gets is a little strong. Could you recommend a different location where it might do better. Do they do alright in shade or partial shade?
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Richo Cech –
hi Ruth,
In very warm areas these tend to do best if given a cool, moist position. Replant to such a spot, and cut back all aerial parts ant transplant, to push the restart button.
Richo
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Jeanne Hupprich –
I have a lot of comfrey but how do I know if it is true comfrey? Also I just ordered some hawthorn bushes which if you haven’t already mailed can you add one of your true comfrey plants or roots?
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Richo Cech –
Jeanne,
Give me your order ID and I’ll send you some true comfrey, you probably have the russian hybrid. I’m concerned that you’re going to be disappointed on the hawthorne tree–these are now on backorder.
Richo
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True comfrey (verified owner) –
This is such a nice plant, after two weeks this is how much it grew. Beautiful roots, healthy and extremely happy with purchase, would highly recommend.
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Mario –
I live in Montana zone 4a is it to cold?
If you should not injestt this is it good for salve?
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Richo Cech –
hello mario, thanks for contacting. zone 4 is not too cold for true comfrey, it is a comfortable zone for it. comfrey is the premier salve-making ingredient, you can use it freely. recipes in my book “making plant medicine” and also check this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leDCPFLQAAg
richo
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Ann –
I received a beautiful, healthy crown this past fall. I planted it in a container and it immediately growing. This spring, it looks spectacular – very happy, once again – you guys rock!
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Deborah L Hall –
I planted the root of comfrey last fall. I was concerned because it turned cold soon after planting it, but there is new growth coming up quickly now. Thank you very much.
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Question
Shannon Radcliffe Bueche –
Can you plant comfrey root cuttings now in a Zone 4 location? Any additional mulching requirements so they survive the first winter? Thanks so much!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hello Shannon, Right now up to first frost is a good time to plant comfrey. There is a fall window and a spring window–these are the times transplants work best. As always, make sure the cutting is completely covered with dirt and then apply a thick layer (up to 4 inches) of compost or manure on top of the spot and finish with a thick layer (up to 6 inches) of straw or other non-bark mulch. Normally you see results by way of new leaves poking up through the mulch within 3 weeks. Plant them like that, and they will really produce!
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Megan Haney –
I’ve read elsewhere that you should not harvest comfrey until its second year. Would you agree with that, or, if not, what are the signs that you’d look for, to tell you that the plant can withstand harvesting? Thank you.
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Admin Richo Cech –
Yes, I think that would be correct, in terms of allowing the plant to size-up before harvest. I think the root and the leaf of 1st year plants are just as good as the root and leaf of second year plants, though, just not as prolific. A large crown (6 inches across) is a sign of harvestable roots.
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Lisa Paulus –
Does this plant get invasive or spread easily by seed?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Lisa,
True Comfrey makes viable seed and like most herbaceous perennials will self-seed in your garden. If you want a sterile comfrey, choose russian comfrey root cuttings.
Richo
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