Comfrey

Comfrey Overview

Symphytum officinale is often known as Comfrey or Common Comfrey, amongst other names. It is a vigorous perennial, forming clumps with pendant, tubular flowers. Flowers may be purple-violet, pink, or creamy-yellow in colour. Comfrey makes an excellent choice for shady borders or woodland gardens, but roots and leaves may cause discomfort if ingested, and the foliage may also irritate the skin. This plant may also be used for medicinal purposes, for liquid plant food, or manure.

How to harvest Comfrey

Leaves ready for harvest when about 60 cm long. Leaves are covered in fine hairs, take care to wear gloves. Using a sickle or scythe, cut the leaves about 5 cm above the base of the plant. foliage is at its best if cut before blooming time.

How to propagate Comfrey

Seed

Plant seeds in spring or fall, or sow inside during very cold winter. Transplant seedlings with a spacing of half a meter to a meter.

Cuttings

Division

Other uses of Comfrey

Ground cover, culinary, medicinal

Medicinal

Contains a small organic molecule allantoin, which is thought to stimulate cell growth and repair and suppress inflammation.

Compost Activator

Fertiliser