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Comfrey - Live Plant

SKU: PLANT-22-400

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Comfrey

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Description
About Comfrey
How to Use Comfrey
FAQ

Description

This seed-grown perennial plant is available in a 3.5” pot, established in a chemical-free environment. This versatile plant can adapt to a variety of growing conditions, which makes it a popular choice for gardeners and farmers. Each plant is ready to be transplanted into your garden or farm, and with proper care, will provide years of nutrient-rich leaves and potent medicinal benefits. Pick up now and experience the many benefits of growing your own comfrey plant!

NOTE: LIVE PLANTS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICKUP IN NORTH HALEDON, NJ & POMPTON PLAINS, NJ.

About Comfrey

Symphytum officinale, commonly known as comfrey, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Comfrey has a long history of medicinal use and was traditionally used to treat various ailments, such as wounds, sprains, and fractures. The roots and leaves of the plant contain allantoin, a substance that promotes cell growth and healing.

However, it is essential to note that comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver when consumed in large amounts. For this reason, the internal use of comfrey is not recommended. Topical use of comfrey preparations should be limited to short-term use only, as prolonged use can also lead to liver damage.

How to Use Comfrey

Tincture: Dried comfrey roots are chopped and macerated in grain alcohol for 4 to 6 weeks to formulate a tincture.
Salve: Dried comfrey root-infused oil makes a great anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic salve when combined with olive oil and melted beeswax. It can also be combined with calendula for additional benefits.

Comfrey - Live Plant Frequently Asked Questions

Is Comfrey an annual or perennial plant?

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial plant, which means it lives for several years and grows back each year from the same root system. It is known for its high allantoin content, which makes it a popular ingredient in skincare products and herbal remedies for external use.

How much space should be needed to grow a Comfrey?

When planting comfrey, it's important to give each plant enough space to grow without overcrowding. A mature comfrey plant can have a spread of 2-4 feet and a height of 3-5 feet, depending on growing conditions. A spacing of 2-3 feet between plants is usually recommended, which means that each plant will have enough room to grow and won't compete with neighboring plants for nutrients and sunlight.

What zone does Comfrey grow in?

Comfrey can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. It is native to Europe but can be grown in many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and Asia. It can tolerate both cold and hot temperatures, as well as drought and some shade.

In colder climates, comfrey may die back in the winter and then regrow in the spring from the roots. In warmer climates, it may continue to grow year-round.

When should I harvest Comfrey?

Comfrey can be harvested for different purposes throughout the growing season. The ideal time to harvest the plant depends on how it will be used.

Typically, the leaves can be harvested 60-70 days after planting, when they have fully matured and are a vibrant green color.

For medicinal purposes, it is best to pick the leaves before the plant flowers, as this is when they contain the highest levels of allantoin and other beneficial compounds.
As a nutrient-rich mulch/compost, harvest the leaves when they reach maturity (i.e. around 100 days after planting). At this stage, the leaves contain a higher concentration of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and can serve as an excellent soil amendment.

Does Comfrey flower or fruit?

Comfrey produces small, bell-shaped flowers that can be either blue, purple, or white in color. They typically appear in late spring or early summer and are pollinated by bees and other insects to produce small, nut-like fruits.