The Business Opportunity

Producing comfrey crowns offers an excellent business opportunity for gardeners and small-scale farmers. Comfrey crowns are in high demand among gardeners, herbalists, and sustainable agriculture enthusiasts for their ability to quickly establish new plants.

As a perennial plant that can live for 20+ years, comfrey provides recurring harvests of both crowns and other products, creating multiple revenue streams from a single planting.

Why Comfrey Crowns?

High profit margin: Comfrey crowns can be sold for $5-15 each, while costing very little to produce
Renewable resource: A single parent plant can produce multiple crowns annually
Year-round sales potential: Crowns can be sold during dormant seasons when other farm income may be limited
Low startup costs: Begin with just a few parent plants and expand gradually

Properly prepared comfrey crowns ready for packaging and sale

Establishing Parent Plants

The foundation of a successful comfrey crown business is healthy, vigorous parent plants. Bocking 14 is the preferred cultivar for commercial production due to its sterility (preventing unwanted spread) and high content of beneficial compounds.

Selecting Your Growing Site

Choose a location with these characteristics:

Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with pH 6.0-7.0
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Space: Allow 3-4 feet between plants (they will spread)
Accessibility: Easy access for maintenance and harvesting

Sourcing Initial Stock

Begin with certified Bocking 14 comfrey plants from a reputable supplier. Starting with 10-20 plants provides enough stock to begin crown production within 1-2 years while keeping initial investment manageable.

Properly spaced comfrey plants will develop into productive parent stock

Planting Process

Prepare the Soil

Incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. Comfrey has deep roots that benefit from loose, fertile soil.

Dig Planting Holes

Create holes approximately 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the root system without bending.

Position Plants

Place comfrey crowns or root cuttings with the growth buds facing upward, with the top of the crown about 1-2 inches below soil level.

Backfill and Water

Fill in with soil, gently firm around the plant, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and help establish root contact with the soil.

Mulch

Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants (but not touching the stems) to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Establishment Tip: For the first year, focus on plant establishment rather than harvesting. This allows plants to develop strong root systems that will support years of crown production.

Growing and Maintenance

Comfrey is a low-maintenance crop once established, but proper care ensures maximum crown production and plant longevity.

Watering

Water deeply during establishment and dry periods
Once established, comfrey is drought-tolerant but produces more with consistent moisture
Avoid waterlogged conditions which can cause root rot

Fertilization

Apply compost or balanced organic fertilizer in early spring
Top-dress with compost after each major harvest
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaf growth over crown development

Weed Management

Keep area weed-free, especially during establishment
Use mulch to suppress weeds
Once mature, comfrey's dense growth naturally suppresses weeds

Pest and Disease Management

Comfrey has few pest problems
Watch for slugs and snails on young plants
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues

Seasonal Care Schedule

Season	Tasks
Early Spring	Remove dead leaves, apply compost, divide plants if needed
Late Spring	First leaf harvest (if also harvesting leaves), monitor moisture
Summer	Additional leaf harvests, maintain adequate watering
Fall	Final leaf harvest, prepare for crown division if desired
Winter	Plants dormant, good time for crown harvesting and division

Productivity Tip: For maximum crown production, remove flower stalks as they appear. This redirects the plant's energy into root and crown development rather than seed production.

Harvesting Techniques

Harvesting comfrey crowns requires careful timing and technique to maximize yield while ensuring the health of parent plants. The best time to harvest is during the dormant season (late fall through early spring) when the plant's energy is stored in the roots.

Optimal Timing

Plant age: Wait until plants are at least 2-3 years old before first major crown harvest
Season: Late fall after foliage dies back or early spring before new growth
Frequency: Harvest from established plants every 2-3 years for maximum crown size
Weather: Choose a day when soil is not frozen or waterlogged

Step-by-Step Harvesting Process

Prepare the Area

Water the soil a day before harvesting if it's dry to make digging easier. Clear away any dead foliage to expose the crown area.

Dig Around the Plant

Using a garden fork or spade, dig in a circle around the plant about 8-12 inches from the center, going down at least 12 inches to avoid damaging the deep roots.

Lift the Root Mass

Gently leverage the plant upward, working from multiple sides to loosen the root mass. Avoid pulling directly on stems as they may break.

Divide the Crown

Once lifted, shake off excess soil and examine the crown structure. You'll see multiple growth points that can be separated into individual crowns.

Replant Parent Stock

Immediately replant a portion of the crown with 3-5 buds to maintain your parent plant. Water thoroughly after replanting.

Essential Harvesting Tools

Garden Fork

Preferred for initial loosening of soil around plants without cutting through roots

Sharp Knife or Pruners

For clean cuts when dividing crowns

Gloves

Comfrey leaves can irritate skin; sturdy gloves protect hands during harvesting

Containers

Buckets or trays to hold harvested crowns

Harvesting Tip: When dividing crowns, ensure each section has at least 2-3 visible buds or growth points. Larger divisions establish more quickly but yield fewer sellable units.

Processing and Preparation

After harvesting, proper processing ensures your comfrey crowns remain viable and attractive to customers. This stage is critical for product quality and shelf life.

Processing Workflow

Initial Cleaning

Gently rinse harvested crowns to remove excess soil. Use a soft brush if necessary, but avoid damaging the buds. A shallow water bath works well for this step.

Inspection and Sorting

Examine each crown and sort based on size and quality. Look for healthy buds and discard any showing signs of rot or damage. Categorize into premium and standard grades if selling at different price points.

Trimming

Trim any remaining leaves or stems to about 1-2 inches above the crown. Trim excessively long roots to about 4-6 inches, making clean cuts with sharp pruners.

Curing

Allow crowns to air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours. This helps heal cut surfaces and reduces moisture before packaging.

Final Inspection

Before packaging, perform a final quality check to ensure all crowns meet your standards. Remove any that show signs of deterioration during the curing process.

Quality Standards for Marketable Crowns

Characteristic	Premium Grade	Standard Grade
Size	3+ inches diameter	1.5-3 inches diameter
Visible Buds	5 or more	2-4
Root Structure	Well-developed, multiple roots	Basic root system present
Appearance	Clean, no damage	Minor imperfections acceptable

Processing Tip: Keep crowns moist but not wet during processing. If processing will take more than a few hours, cover crowns with slightly damp burlap or place in shallow trays with minimal moisture to prevent drying out.

Packaging and Storage

Proper packaging and storage are essential for maintaining crown viability and creating an appealing product for customers. Your packaging should protect the crowns while showcasing their quality.

Packaging Materials

Primary packaging: Breathable materials like paper bags, burlap, or mesh bags
Moisture control: Small amount of slightly damp sphagnum moss or wood shavings
Labels: Waterproof labels with your brand, planting instructions, and variety information
Shipping materials: Sturdy boxes with cushioning for mail orders

Packaging Options

Individual Retail Packaging

For direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets or online

Paper bags with viewing window
Small mesh bags with hang tag
Eco-friendly containers with planting instructions

Bulk Packaging

For wholesale or larger orders

Larger mesh bags with moisture-retaining material
Ventilated plastic totes with dividers
Waxed cardboard boxes with proper ventilation

Storage Guidelines

Properly stored comfrey crowns can remain viable for several weeks to months:

Temperature: Store at 32-40°F (0-4°C) for extended storage
Humidity: Maintain 80-90% relative humidity
Air circulation: Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent mold
Duration: Optimal storage is 2-4 weeks; can extend to 2-3 months under ideal conditions
Inspection: Check regularly for signs of sprouting or deterioration

Storage Tip: If you need to store crowns for an extended period, consider using a root cellar or refrigerator dedicated to plant material. Check weekly and mist lightly if crowns appear to be drying out.

Marketing and Sales

Effective marketing is essential for turning your comfrey crown production into a profitable business. Understanding your target market and creating compelling sales channels will maximize your success.

Target Markets

Home gardeners: Individuals interested in sustainable gardening, composting, and natural remedies
Herbalists: Professional and amateur herbalists who use comfrey for medicinal preparations
Market farmers: Small-scale farmers looking to add comfrey as a companion plant or for soil improvement
Permaculture enthusiasts: People designing sustainable food systems who value comfrey's multiple functions
Garden centers: Retail businesses looking to expand their plant offerings

Sales Channels

Direct-to-Consumer

Farmers markets: Excellent for building customer relationships and educating buyers
Your own website: Provides year-round sales potential and wider geographic reach
Social media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook for showcasing products and connecting with customers
Garden shows: Seasonal events that attract serious gardeners

Wholesale

Garden centers: Local and regional nurseries looking for unique offerings
Herb shops: Specialty stores catering to herbalists and natural health enthusiasts
Online plant retailers: E-commerce businesses specializing in plants
Landscapers: Professionals who may use comfrey in sustainable landscape designs

Effective Marketing Strategies

Educational Content

Create valuable content about comfrey's benefits and uses. This positions you as an expert and attracts interested customers:

Blog posts on your website about comfrey uses and growing tips
Instructional videos showing planting and harvesting techniques
Downloadable care guides included with purchases
Workshops at garden centers or community events

Visual Marketing

Comfrey is visually appealing when properly presented. Use high-quality images to showcase your products:

Professional photos of healthy crowns, growing plants, and end uses
Before-and-after images showing establishment success
Infographics highlighting comfrey's multiple benefits
Video testimonials from satisfied customers

Building Credibility

Establish trust with potential customers through:

Customer testimonials and reviews
Guarantees on crown viability
Transparent growing practices
Certifications (organic, naturally grown, etc.) if applicable

Marketing Tip: Create seasonal marketing campaigns that align with optimal planting times in your region. Send email reminders to past customers about spring and fall planting opportunities.

Ready to Start Your Comfrey Crown Business?

Begin with quality Bocking 14 comfrey plants as your foundation. Explore our other business opportunity guides to learn more about production techniques and additional revenue streams.

Shop Comfrey Plants Business Opportunities

How to Produce Comfrey Crowns