How to Sell Comfrey Plants Online
Turn your comfrey patch into a profitable online business with minimal investment. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start selling comfrey plants online.
My Online Comfrey Business Story
As I shared in my journey, I started with just a few comfrey plants that I had been growing for years. With a simple shovel, some basic photography, and an Etsy account, I was able to generate over $4,000 in sales in just three weeks during the spring season.
The beauty of selling comfrey online is the low barrier to entry and the high demand during peak planting seasons. Here's how you can replicate this success with your own online comfrey business.
Getting Started: Platform Selection
Etsy
Pros: Easy to set up, built-in customer base searching for plants, simple listing process
Cons: Fees (listing, transaction, payment processing), competition
Best for: Beginners who want a ready-made marketplace
Amazon
Pros: Large audience, established trust
Cons: Higher fees than some platforms, more arduous sign up process, more demanding clientele
Best for: Sellers who have a refined product
Your Own Website
Pros: Full control, no marketplace fees, build your brand
Cons: Need to drive your own traffic, more technical setup
Best for: Established sellers ready to scale up
Tip: I recommend starting with Etsy for your first season. The built-in audience of gardeners and plant enthusiasts makes it easier to get your first sales without marketing expertise.
Creating Compelling Listings
Photography Tips
- Use natural light for best results
- Show the entire plant, including roots when relevant
- Include close-ups of leaves and any special features
- Add a size reference object in at least one photo
- Show the plant both in its container and planted in a garden setting if possible
Writing Effective Descriptions
- Start with a compelling headline that includes "Bocking 14" and "Comfrey"
- Describe the benefits of comfrey (fertilizer, pollinator attraction, etc.)
- Explain that Bocking 14 is sterile and won't spread uncontrollably
- Include basic care instructions
- Specify exactly what the customer will receive (size, packaging, etc.)
- Add planting instructions or link to your planting guide
Example of a well-photographed comfrey listing
Sample Listing Title
"Bocking 14 Comfrey Crown - Organic Non-Invasive Perennial - Permaculture Favorite - Ready to Plant"
Sample Description Opening
"Add this versatile Bocking 14 comfrey crown to your garden and enjoy years of benefits! This specially developed sterile cultivar won't spread by seed, making it perfect for permaculture systems and organic gardens. Each crown comes with established roots and is ready to grow quickly in your garden."
Pricing Strategy
Pricing your comfrey products correctly is crucial for profitability while remaining competitive. Based on my experience, here are some pricing guidelines. The cost to produce includes pots, soil, the shipping box, packing material, tape, etc.
| Product | Suggested Price Range | Cost to Produce | Profit Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfrey Roots (10 pieces) | $12-18 | $1-2 | 80-90% |
| Comfrey Crowns (3 crowns) | $15-25 | $1-2 | 85-95% |
| Comfrey Plugs | $6-10 each | $1-2 | 80-90% |
| Starter Plants (Potted) | $12-20 | $3-4 | 75-85% |
Tip: Consider offering bundle discounts for multiple plants to increase your average order value. For example, "Buy 3 comfrey crowns, get 1 free" or "10% off when you buy 5 or more plugs."
Shipping and Packaging
Packaging Materials
- Small cardboard boxes (USPS Priority Mail boxes work well and are free)
- Newspaper or kraft paper for wrapping roots
- Plastic bags to retain moisture around roots
- Rubber bands or twist ties
- Packing tape
- Shipping labels (thermal printer recommended for volume)
Shipping Tips
- Use USPS Priority Mail for most domestic shipments (2-3 day delivery)
- Ship early in the week to avoid plants sitting over weekends
- Include basic care instructions in the package
- Consider weather conditions when shipping (avoid extreme heat/cold)
- Clearly mark packages as containing live plants
Properly packaged comfrey plants ready for shipping
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May)
Peak Season
Highest demand and prices. Focus on having maximum inventory ready.
Best products: Crowns, roots, and early starter plants
Summer (June-August)
Moderate Demand
Focus on potted plants and plugs that establish quickly.
Best products: Plugs and established potted plants
Fall (September-November)
Secondary Peak
Good for fall planting in warmer zones.
Best products: Potted plants and crowns
Winter (December-February)
Low Season
Focus on preparation for spring. Limited shipping to warm zones only.
Best products: Pre-orders for spring
Tip: Use the winter months to divide plants, prepare root cuttings, and set up your propagation system for the spring rush.
Customer Service Best Practices
- Respond to all inquiries within 24 hours
- Provide tracking information as soon as packages ship
- Include care instructions with every order
- Follow up after delivery to ensure satisfaction
- Offer a reasonable guarantee (e.g., "If your plant arrives damaged, contact within 48 hours for replacement")
- Request reviews from satisfied customers
"The difference between a one-time sale and a repeat customer often comes down to the care you show after the purchase. I've had customers come back year after year because they know I stand behind my plants."
Scaling Your Business
As your online comfrey business grows, consider these strategies for scaling:
Expand Your Product Line
Add complementary plants like other permaculture favorites or medicinal herbs that appeal to the same customer base.
Create Your Own Website
Reduce marketplace fees and build your brand by launching your own e-commerce site once you have an established customer base.
Develop Value-Added Products
Expand into comfrey-based products like salves, dried leaves, or comfrey tea to increase your average order value.
Wholesale Opportunities
Partner with local nurseries or garden centers to provide them with comfrey plants at wholesale prices.
Ready to Start Your Online Comfrey 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.