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Is comfrey easy to grow?
Symphytum spp. For this reason, one of my all time favorite herbs to keep in my garden is comfrey! It is also a long utilized herbal support for wound healing and treating other ailments. And it is extremely easy to grow – perhaps too easy, as it tends to spread if it’s not well managed.
Where is the best place to grow comfrey?
Comfrey can grow in full sun to partial shade, meaning it needs at least three hours of direct sunlight on most days. In the warmer parts of its growing zones, plant it where it will get shade from the strong afternoon sun.5 days ago.
How quickly does comfrey grow?
They develop buds 20 to 40 days after planting, and are best planted in beds, rows, or pots, and transplanted to permanent locations when a year or more old. Roots are laid flat and covered with 1½“ to 4” of soil when planted (see NOTE above). Root cuttings take 1½ to 2 years to grow to the size of a one-year plant.
How do I grow comfrey in my garden?
Chop up comfrey leaves with grass cuttings, and place a 5cm layer on the surface of the soil around all plants.Available from The Organic Gardening Catalogue, Garden Organic members get a 10% discount. Choose your site carefully – comfrey can live for 20 or more years. Allow 60–90 cm between plants.
Does comfrey come back every year?
Extremely cold hardy perennials, comfrey plants become dormant in winter and re-emerge every spring.
How does comfrey spread?
Does Comfrey 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.
Is comfrey good for tomatoes?
Comfrey has very deep roots, which means it extracts large quantities of nutrients from far below the soil’s surface, inaccessible to other plants. It’s especially rich in potassium, making it the ideal feed to promote flowers and fruits in a range of plants, including tomatoes.
When should I plant comfrey?
Sow and Plant New growth emerges in mid-spring, followed by flowers that attract pollinators in early summer.
Can comfrey survive winter?
As for the original posters question, comfrey dies back in winter and leaves bare earth. That is its nature, but also it’s strength. The leaves fall to the ground and as they break down they enrich the soil, feeding the microbial life and adding nutrients.
What can I do with comfrey leaves?
7 Best Uses for Comfrey Vigorous comfrey plants regrow after greens are harvested for compost or mulch. Garlic is tucked in with a double mulch of chopped comfrey and rotted hay. A comfrey root poultice can speed healing of sprains and bruises. Use dried leaves to make comfrey tea for houseplants.
Is comfrey a good companion plant?
A Great Companion Plant Comfrey is an awesome companion plant for several reasons, If you have fruit trees or an orchard, I suggest growing them there. Comfrey’s long tap root helps it to be a pretty drought-tolerant herb, allowing it to keep large leaves all season long.
Is comfrey toxic to dogs?
But be warned, dogs should not eat or lick it, as it can be toxic to them and will cause gastrointestinal problems if ingested in large amounts. Although comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, primarily on the root, which cause liver problems when ingested in large quantities.
What is the difference between borage and comfrey?
Borage flowers are always blue while comfrey flowers bloom in white, pink and purple. The flowers have different shapes, as well, with comfrey flowers shaped like bells and borage flowers like stars. Borage also tends to be a bit more gangly than comfrey, which grows in tighter clumps.
How long does comfrey bloom?
Comfrey is a perennial plant, meaning that is it expected to live beyond two years. Comfrey blooms once every year between late spring and early summer, and unlike a shrub, can be expected to die back in the winter. It is certified to grow as a perennial in the United States in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.
How do I harvest comfrey?
Harvesting the plant is very simple and easy to do. You will need to start by cutting the leaves back to about 2 inches above the soil. You can also take individual leaves as they get to about the size of your hand. After the first cut, you can count on another cutting every 6 weeks until early autumn.
Can chickens eat comfrey?
“Comfrey is well-suited as a feed for chickens. Chickens’ digestive systems are not equipped to handle much fiber. Comfrey is low in fiber and high in protein and minerals, especially when cut regularly. They also recommend comfrey for cattle, goats and pigs.).
How far apart should you plant comfrey?
Planting Comfrey Whether planting root cuttings, mature plants, or seeds, plant them about three feet apart.
Should comfrey be cut back?
Comfrey is a hardy plant and grows so vigorously that it can overtake an area in a single growing season. Cutting your plant back will only encourage additional stem and leaf growth. Go ahead and cut away the flowering stalk. As you’re harvesting, allow some leaves to remain near the soil level to help feed the roots.
Can I eat comfrey leaves?
Historically, some people have eaten comfrey leaves as a vegetable. You can also drink dried comfrey root and leaves as tea. Today, eating or taking any form of comfrey by mouth isn’t recommended. It’s considered unsafe, due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids that comfrey contains.
Do slugs eat comfrey?
Sacrificial Comfrey, Sharp Stuff, and Slug Races ‘Slugs love comfrey! ‘ says the book, before advising the reader to plant comfrey in slug hotspots. After a couple of days, pick the greedy guts off the comfrey and dispose of as you see fit.
Is comfrey good for roses?
Roses are tough, resilient things. Now is not the time to renovate roses by pruning – that’s a winter job. The quickest route to good health at this time of year is liquid feed. Choose organic for the planet or make your own by rotting down either comfrey and nettles or, if you can get hold of it, manure.
