Comfrey Seed, Symphytum Officinale

Comfrey is a perennial herb that produces continuous cut and drop mulch. The deep roots draw minerals from the soil that other plants can’t reach up into their leaves. The leaves have a high N:C ratio and won’t cause nitrogen draw-down when applied directly. Requires supplemental nitrogen, such as manure, to grow best

GROW: In Australia sow comfrey seeds early Autumn (March) or during Spring (September to November).  Sow comfrey seeds 5mm deep spacing plantings about 50cm apart to provide enough room for their large leaves to grow.  Comfrey can be slow to germinate, taking from 10 to 28 days to emerge.  Cold stratification can improve germinate rates, to do this mix the comfrey seeds with drained damp sand in a zip lock bag and refrigerate for a week prior to sowing.

HARVEST: Roots to be used to make medicinal ointments or skin creams can be harvested at any time, but preferably in early winter. Gather greens for composting in early summer and again in autumn.

USE: Comfrey is a fine source of greens for composting or for using as a mulch around nutrient-hungry plants. When the large plants are cut back in summer, old branches are quickly replaced by a fresh flush of foliage. For medicinal use topical preparations made from comfrey roots and leaves and are traditionally used to promote healing of sprains and broken bones by increasing circulation to the affected area.

NOTE: Comfrey should not be taken internally as comfrey contains compounds that may harm the liver.