How to Produce Comfrey Roots for Sale

Learn how to efficiently harvest, process, and prepare comfrey roots for sale or propagation. This guide covers everything from selecting plants to packaging roots for maximum profit.

Understanding Comfrey Roots

Comfrey roots are one of the most efficient ways to propagate new plants. Even a small piece of root can develop into a full plant, making them valuable for both your own propagation efforts and for sale to customers.

In my experience selling comfrey products, roots typically sell for $12-18 per bundle of 10 pieces, with a cost of production of just $1-2, resulting in excellent profit margins.

Key Benefits of Selling Comfrey Roots:

  • Low production cost
  • Easy to harvest in quantity
  • Simple to package and ship
  • Long shelf life when stored properly
  • Can be harvested year-round (though spring and fall are optimal)
Close-up of healthy comfrey roots ready for sale

Healthy comfrey roots ready for sale or propagation

Tools and Materials Needed

Essential Tools

  • Digging fork or shovel - A digging fork is preferred as it's less likely to damage roots
  • Sharp pruning shears or knife - For cutting roots cleanly
  • Garden hose or wash basin - For cleaning roots
  • Clean containers - For sorting and storing harvested roots
  • Gloves - To protect hands during harvesting

Packaging Materials

  • Plastic bags - To keep roots from drying out
  • Paper towels or newspaper - For wrapping roots
  • Rubber bands or twist ties - For bundling roots
  • Labels - For identifying varieties and providing instructions
  • Shipping materials - If selling online
Pro Tip: Invest in a quality digging fork with strong tines. The Root Slayer shovel mentioned in my story is excellent for comfrey harvesting as it can cut through the dense root system effectively.

Step-by-Step Production Process

1

Select and Prepare Plants

Choose healthy, mature comfrey plants that are at least 2 years old. The best time to harvest is early spring when plants are just emerging or in fall after the growing season.

Tips:

  • Look for plants with thick, established root systems
  • Avoid plants showing signs of disease or stress
  • Water the area a day before harvesting if soil is very dry
2

Dig Up the Plant

Using your digging fork or shovel, carefully dig around the plant in a circle about 8-12 inches from the center. Comfrey has deep roots, so you'll need to dig down at least 12 inches.

Tips:

  • Loosen soil on all sides before attempting to lift the plant
  • Lift gently to avoid breaking the main root structure
  • You can harvest partial roots without removing the entire plant if preferred
3

Separate Roots from Crown

Once the plant is out of the ground, shake off excess soil and separate the crown (top portion with buds) from the root system. The crown can be replanted or sold separately.

Tips:

  • Use pruning shears for clean cuts
  • Save the crown with some roots attached if you want to replant it
  • Look for thick, fleshy roots for the best propagation success
4

Cut Roots into Sections

Cut the larger roots into sections approximately 2-4 inches long. Even small pieces of comfrey root can grow into new plants, but larger sections establish more quickly.

Tips:

  • Make clean, straight cuts
  • Thicker roots (pencil thickness or greater) are most valuable
  • Sort roots by size/quality for different product offerings
5

Clean and Prepare Roots

Wash the root sections thoroughly to remove all soil. This improves appearance for sales and prevents soil-borne diseases from spreading.

Tips:

  • Use a gentle stream of water rather than scrubbing
  • Allow roots to air dry slightly (but not completely) before packaging
  • Inspect for and remove any damaged sections
6

Package for Sale

Bundle roots in groups of 5-10 pieces depending on size and quality. Wrap roots in slightly damp paper towel or newspaper, then place in a plastic bag to retain moisture.

Tips:

  • Include planting instructions with each package
  • Label clearly as "Bocking 14 Comfrey Roots"
  • Store in a cool place (like a refridgerator) if not selling immediately
  • Roots can be stored for 2-3 weeks if kept slightly moist and cool

Maximizing Root Production

Dedicated Root Production Beds

To scale up your comfrey root production, consider establishing dedicated beds specifically for root harvesting:

  1. Bed Preparation: Create raised beds with loose, rich soil that's easy to dig in.
  2. Spacing: Plant comfrey 12-18 inches apart in rows 24-30 inches apart.
  3. Rotation System: Divide your production area into sections and harvest from different sections each year to allow plants to recover.
  4. Fertilization: Apply compost or organic fertilizer in spring to encourage strong root development.
  5. Irrigation: Ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, for maximum root growth.

With a well-managed 100 sq ft bed (approximately 10' x 10'), you can potentially harvest enough roots to fulfill 50-75 orders per season.

Yield Estimate: A mature comfrey plant can typically provide 20-30 viable root sections for sale, with minimal impact on the plant if harvested properly. With 25 established plants, you could potentially produce 500+ root sections per harvest.

Marketing and Selling Comfrey Roots

Product Positioning

When selling comfrey roots, emphasize these key selling points:

Easy to Grow

Comfrey roots are nearly foolproof to grow, making them perfect for beginners.

Cost-Effective

One root can grow into a plant worth $15-25 within a single season.

Versatile

Can be planted directly in garden beds or started in containers.

Space-Saving

Roots are compact for shipping and storage compared to live plants.

Pricing Strategy

Based on my experience, here are effective pricing strategies for comfrey roots:

Product Package Suggested Price Description
Basic Bundle (10 roots) $12-18 Entry-level option for first-time growers
Bulk Package (25+ roots) $35-45 For market gardeners or resellers

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Root Drying Out

Solution: Store roots in slightly damp (not wet) paper towels inside sealed plastic bags in a cool location. Check moisture levels every few days.

Challenge: Difficulty Digging Established Plants

Solution: Water the area thoroughly the day before harvesting to soften soil. Use a digging fork rather than a shovel, and work from multiple angles to loosen the root ball.

Challenge: Lower Spring Sales

Solution: Focus marketing on the benefits of fall planting (stronger plants next spring) and offer special autumn discounts. Consider producing comfrey plugs with the roots that did not sell.

Challenge: Customer Success Rate

Solution: Include detailed planting instructions with every order and follow up with customers to provide growing tips. This improves success rates and leads to positive reviews.

Ready to Start Producing Comfrey Roots?

Explore our other production guides to learn about additional comfrey products you can offer to diversify your business.

Comfrey Production Overview How to Produce Comfrey Crowns