Comfrey is a cherished plant in many gardens, known for its medicinal properties, soil-improving abilities, and rapid growth. However, not all comfrey varieties are created equal. Two of the most popular types are Common Comfrey and Russian Comfrey. Understanding the differences between these varieties can help you choose the best one for your gardening needs.
Choosing the Right Comfrey for Your Garden
If you’re looking for a comfrey variety that is easy to manage, nutrient-rich, and non-invasive, Russian Comfrey is an excellent choice. Its numerous benefits make it a valuable addition to any garden, whether you’re focused on soil health, composting, or medicinal uses.
Common Comfrey has its place, particularly in traditional medicine, livestock pastures, and wild gardens, but its tendency to spread can be a drawback for some gardeners. By opting for Russian Comfrey, you can enjoy all the advantages of this wonderful plant without the hassle of controlling its spread.
Propagating Russian Comfrey
One of the best ways to increase your Russian comfrey population is through root propagation. This method is straightforward and highly effective. Here’s a detailed guide on how to propagate your comfrey using root cuttings.
Materials Needed:
- Shovel
- Sharp knife or Hori Hori knife
- Gloves (optional)
Step 1: Digging Up the Comfrey
To start the propagation process, you’ll need to dig up the comfrey plant. Use a shovel to dig around the base of the plant, aiming to get as deep as possible. Comfrey roots can extend 8 to 12 feet deep, especially varieties like Russian comfrey (Bocking 14). Don’t worry if you can’t get the entire root system out; just focus on retrieving a substantial portion of the root ball.
Step 2: Preparing the Roots
Once you’ve dug up the comfrey, shake off any excess soil from the roots. You’ll notice long roots, some of which may break off during the digging process. This is perfectly fine. Break or cut these roots into 2 to 3-inch sections. Each section has the potential to grow into a new comfrey plant.
Step 3: Cutting the Crown
The crown of the comfrey plant, which is the part where the stems meet the roots, is particularly valuable for propagation. Use a sharp knife or a Hori Hori knife to cut the crown into smaller sections. These crown cuttings will sprout new plants faster than root cuttings, often showing growth within a few days to a couple of weeks, whereas the root cuttings take 6-8 weeks to grow a plant.
Step 4: Planting the Cuttings
Take your root and crown cuttings and plant them in your desired location. Ensure the soil is well-prepared, well-draining, and nutrient-rich. Plant the cuttings 1-2 inches deep, with the root sections laid horizontally in the soil. Water the newly planted cuttings thoroughly to help them establish.
Adding 1-2 inches of mulch can help the soil retain moisture which will help your roots and or crowns establish.
Step 5: Caring for the New Plants
Comfrey is extremely tough and doesn’t require gentle handling. After planting, you can expect to see new growth fairly quickly. Root cuttings typically develop into new plants within six to eight weeks, while crown cuttings may sprout leaves within just a few days.
Once the plant has fully formed leaves and has fully grown to a height of 2 to 3 feet, you can safely harvest leaves from the plant. After a few months of the plant being established, you can harvest the entire plant above ground 2 to 3 times per year and the plant will quickly grow back.
If you want to learn more about the uses of Comfrey check out this post – 10 Ways To Use Comfrey On Your Permaculture Homestead
Want to purchase Comfrey Cuttings? 10 Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey Root Cuttings
Additional Tips:
- Leaf Harvesting: You can harvest comfrey leaves by using a sharp knife or serrated edge.
- Uses for Comfrey Leaves: The leaves are excellent for mulching, making compost, or even feeding to livestock. They are also great for making comfrey salves and other herbal preparations.
- Tools: A Hori Hori knife is particularly useful for cutting through both roots and stems due to its serrated edge, making it an ideal tool for this process.
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Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
By following these steps, you can effectively propagate your comfrey plants and enjoy the numerous benefits they bring to your garden. Comfrey’s resilience and rapid growth make it a valuable addition to any garden. Happy planting!
