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How to Grow Comfrey

Comfrey is a perennial herb with hairy leaves and bell-shaped flowers. It is a member of the borage family, and was once thought to protect travelers on their journeys. Comfrey can be used as a medicinal herb, tea, vegetable, animal feed and soil conditioner. It is easy to grow, spreads rapidly once established and lives for many years.

Things You'll Need

  • Comfrey cuttings
  • Trowel
  • Compost or manure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clear weeds from the soil. Till the soil and enrich it with compost or fertilizer.

    • 2

      Divide plants with multiple crowns or dig up part of the root and plant. Transplant root cuttings while they are dormant in either spring or fall.

    • 3

      Plant comfrey in full sun to partial shade throughout the growing season. Plant root cuttings before September. Divisions or transplants can be planted up to early October. To produce a heavy yield, comfrey plants must grow before winter.

    • 4

      Sow plants at a depth of 2 to 8 inches, depending on how heavy the soil is. Plant deeply in light soil. Arrange plants in rows 3 feet apart. Do not plant comfrey close to smaller herbs.

    • 5

      Enrich the soil regularly with compost or manure. Water as needed during dry periods. Rototill between the plants to get rid of weeds.

    • 6

      Cut leaves regularly from the base. This will stop flowering and allow the plant to put more energy into producing leaves.