It is an extremely tolerant and resilient plant. Suitable for perennial cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, it is not very sensitive to soil conditions or pH, and it spreads rapidly. There is no need to worry much about weed control, because comfrey’s large, quick-growing leaves will shade them out.

How fast does comfrey spread?

Strong, mature plants on a 3 foot grid will have the larger outside leaves touching the adjacent plants after 4 to 5 weeks growth. Comfrey can also be grown indoors, in pots (1 to 5 gallon size) for a continuous harvest of fresh, small leaves.

How far apart should you plant comfrey?

Planting Comfrey Whether planting root cuttings, mature plants, or seeds, plant them about three feet apart.

Where should I plant comfrey in my garden?

Plant comfrey in any low point in the garden that gets run-off from your chooks, compost or perhaps a pond. There, it will happily soak up all of the nutrients that otherwise would be washed away, then you can use the plant to add those goodies back into your soil.

How deep do comfrey roots go?

The Comfrey has deep roots of up to 2 m that utilize nutrients deep in the subsoil that would otherwise wash away with the underground soil water or remain inaccessible to other plants.

Will deer eat comfrey?

Comfrey is a great plant to have outside of your orchard (or garden)fencing. Deer enjoy this plant almost as much as hosta, but they don’t eat it to the ground, more as a browse.

Is comfrey harmful to dogs?

The Merck Veterinary Manual lists comfrey as an especially risky herb because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been linked to liver damage. The alkaloids are actually produced by the herb to fend off bugs, but the insecticide can be harmful to a dog.

Is comfrey good for chickens?

“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.

How do you use comfrey in the garden?

Use as a mulch. Chop up comfrey leaves with grass cuttings, and place a 5cm layer on the surface of the soil around all plants. This will slowly rot down to provide nutrients, and act as a mulch to keep in moisture and help control weeds. Add fresh cut leaves to your leaf mould heap.

How can you tell the difference between comfrey and borage?

Identifying Comfrey and Borage It’s easy to tell comfrey and borage apart when they bloom. 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.

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How do you stop comfrey from spreading?

Cut sheets large enough to cover the comfrey patch from a roll of 1-millimeter black plastic mulch, using scissors. If you have a large comfrey patch, cut an extra sheet or two so you can overlap them and prevent the comfrey from growing through. Plastic mulch usually comes in 3-, 4- and 5-foot wide rolls.

Is comfrey good for compost?

Comfrey out-performs manure, compost and many liquid feeds for concentration of nutrients. It produces these from a deep root system extending right into the subsoil that most edible plants cannot access. It also has an ideal Carbon:Nitrogen ratio which means that it does not hamper absorption of nitrogen by plants.

When should I plant comfrey?

When to Plant Comfrey Ideally plant out offsets in March, April and May or in September. September plantings may not show until the following spring. Late planted offsets in pots can be moved into the greenhouse or a cold frame in late January, early…

Is comfrey really toxic?

Comfrey has toxic substances that can cause severe liver damage and even death. You should never take comfrey by mouth. The toxic substances in comfrey can be absorbed by the skin. Even creams and ointments should be used for only a short time, and only under a doctor’s supervision.

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.

What do I do with comfrey flowers?

Another great use of the comfrey plant is to use it as a green manure or mulch. Simply cut the leaves then spread them out over your planting beds. You can even leave the plants to decompose on site. The decomposed comfrey plant will continue helping to condition your soil.

Does comfrey spread by seeds?

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.

Do Gophers like comfrey?

Gophers have also been known to spread comfrey plants around the yard.

Is comfrey good for bees?

Comfrey. Comfrey’s not just great for honeybees, but it also attracts pollinators like bumblebees. These vigorous plants can also be used to make comfrey feed and comfrey ointment.

Is comfrey good for soil?

Comfrey’s roots break up heavy clay and creating channels for aeration and better water absorption, similar to dandelion roots. Over time, its decomposing leaves and roots enrich and condition the soil. This dual action of decomposing leaves and roots can help improve marginal land.

Why does my dog eat comfrey leaves?

This pair of herbs can be relied upon to treat a hyperactive dog. … Comfrey can relieve pain and produce anti-inflammatory properties that can help your dog manage joint pain. Although comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, primarily on the root, which cause liver problems when ingested in large quantities.

Is comfrey toxic to cattle?

Comfrey is especially good for animals you are milking. It gives does, cows and ewes a nutritional boost. You can even dry it and then feed it to your animals in the winter. Some people say it improves milk production and increases the amount of cream in the milk (from the protein probably).

Will horses eat comfrey?

In dealing with comfrey, moderation is the best plan. I know many horse owners who keep a live comfrey plant in the front of the horse stall, and give them a leaf daily, during the growing months, I have never seen nor heard any adverse reactions.

Is comfrey good for rabbits?

Many rabbit keepers offer comfrey as a supplemental feed option. Comfrey is a great source for vitamin A; it’s also immune boosting, and good for the stomach and gut.

Do goats like comfrey?

There’s no doubt that our goats enjoy comfrey. I have patches here and there throughout the farm, and Abigail especially is always looking to grab a mouthful as she passes by. … They slurped up every leaf of all three types (while continuing to ignore the container of older comfrey leaves at their feet).

Do pigs eat comfrey?

You wouldn’t think animals would not like to eat comfrey because of the tiny hairs on comfrey leaves, but sheep, pigs and chickens don’t mind. Even rabbits and cattle will eat comfrey when it’s wilted or dried as hay, according to the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

Is common comfrey plant invasive?

Because it is a very deep root, it is extremely difficult to eradicate once established. … Between the self-seeding and root regrowth, comfrey can become invasive. There is a sterile species of comfrey, Symphytum x uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’, which eliminates the self-seeding problem in the garden.

Is comfrey fertilizer 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.

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.

Is comfrey good for chooks?

Good choices for hardy perennial greens: Comfrey is easily the best herb to grow for chooks.

Do chickens eat comfrey leaves?

Comfrey being low in fibre but high in protein is the ideal green to feed chickens. … Hens may well not take to comfrey at first, they are more likely to accept comfrey if it is offered wilted and is the only green available. It is a little stringy and care should be taken offering it to chicks under 8 weeks.