The plant grows slightly taller than it is wide.
The lower leaves tend to be larger than the upper ones.
Comfrey has a vigorous growth rate and can be planted at any time when the soil is not frozen.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Comfrey is toxic to humans and pets.
Comfrey Care
Comfrey is highly adaptive to a variety of growing conditions and requires very little maintenance.
Here are the main care requirements for growing comfrey:
Light
Comfrey grows infull sunto partial shade.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It needs at least three hours of direct sunlight on most days.
But it prefers organically rich, loamy soil with good drainage.
A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal, but the plant tolerates slightly alkaline soil as well.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Water
Comfrey plants prosper with an even amount of soil moisture.
They have some drought tolerance once they’re established but prefer at least a moderate level of water.
Be sure to keep the soil of young plants consistently moist but not soggy.
Water mature plants whenever the top inch or two of soil begins to dry out.
Humidity typically isnt an issue for comfrey as long as adequate soil moisture is maintained.
Tip
Comfrey leaves make anexcellent liquid fertilizer.
Types of Comfrey
In addition to common comfrey, there are about 60 other species in theSymphytumgenus.
In the following years, prune individual stems as needed to control the size and shape of the plant.
Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced 24 to 36 inches apart.
and mark the location well.
Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period, which takes 14 to 21 days.
This protects the roots from the cold.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Comfrey is generally not bothered by any serious pests or diseases.
The fungus weakens the plant’s growth and flowering.
Slugs and snails also might damage the foliage, but deer tend to leave the plants alone.
How to Get Comfrey to Bloom
Bloom Months
Comfrey typically blooms from May to September.
In ideal conditions, it starts producing flowersin late spring and continues into the late summer.
What Do Comfrey Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The tiny flowers are bell-shaped and grow in drooping clusters.
Common Problems With Comfrey
Comfrey tends to be invasive.
This also makes comfrey plants difficult to eradicate.
To contain it, grow it in a pot or raised garden bed instead of in the ground.
Comfrey is a fast grower.
Within a few weeks in the spring, it reaches over 12 inches in height.
Yes, comfrey is potentially invasive.
It was introduced to North America and has escaped cultivation, especially in the Northeast and Northwest.
It forms dense stands that are difficult to eradicate.
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
Remedies That Aren’t.
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
