Comfrey, True (Symphytum officinalis) potted plant, organic
$7.50 – $50.00
Family: Borage (Boraginacea)
Hardy in Zones 4 to 8
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 alantoin. Plant 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. 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.
Potted plant, Certified Organically Grown
Question
Casey (verified owner) –
I have read conflicting information on when to harvest leaves. I want to harvest when the leaf is most potent and for making my healing salve. I would think you would harvest before it flowers, and some are saying yes, do that, but some are saying it doesn’t matter when you harvest the leaves. Will the leaves still be as effective if I’ve got flowers?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Casey, Comfrey leaf is usually harvested just prior to flowering. If the plant is flowering, use the leaves that are not attached to the flowering stalk. If you want to increase yield of perfect leaves, cut the plant back to the crown and use the new growth after it sizes up, which takes only a couple of weeks. Richo
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Question
Kathy Saunders –
I live at 7400 ft, nights are near or just below freezing, days around 60. What soil temp would be best for crowns?
Going to put them in a raised bed..
Thanks
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Kathy, True Comfrey does best when transplanted in cold soils of early spring or fall. Given your description, I would plant right away. Our soil hasn’t really warmed up yet and the true comfrey is in full flower. We’ll probably have to cut the flowers off of your plants before we ship them! Richo
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Jenn –
DO you find that this reseeds as aggressively as many claim? I was given root years ago that I believe is true comfrey and I have only ever found two seedlings. I also have Bocking 14, which isn’t nearly as robust. If there is one plant to have everywhere, I suppose this is it. However, I also value diversity. Thanks!
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Admin Richo Cech –
I like to avoid aggression whenever possible and welcome comfrey into my gardens, which do contain plenty of it. Thing is, the comfrey never causes me any concern, and when I smash my thumb, I never have far to walk before I can find something starting with C which kills the pain and starts the healing.
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Mary –
Comfrey spreads if you disturb the roots. My experience is that otherwise it will stay in place.
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Casey (verified owner) –
I want this to spread. How do you suggest I care for it?
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Richo Cech –
Best recommendation at this time of year: get 6 of the true comfrey crown cuttings and plant them at a distance. They will eventually spread by dropping their own seed. richo
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