How to Plant Comfrey: Complete Guide
Planting comfrey correctly is the first step to establishing a thriving, productive patch that will serve your garden for decades. This guide covers everything you need to know about planting comfrey, whether you're starting with root cuttings, crown cuttings, plugs, or established plants.
Before You Plant: Planning & Preparation
Choosing the Right Location
Comfrey thrives in a variety of conditions but performs best with:
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight)
- Soil Type: Well-draining, moderately fertile soil
- pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0), but tolerates a range of pH levels
- Space Considerations: Allow 2-3 feet between plants as mature comfrey can spread 2-3 feet wide
Pro Tip
Comfrey develops a deep taproot (up to 6-10 feet!) that mines nutrients from deep in the soil. Choose a location where this deep root can develop without obstruction.
Soil Preparation
Prepare your planting area 1-2 weeks before planting:
- Remove all weeds and grass from the planting area
- Loosen soil to a depth of at least 12 inches
- Incorporate 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure
- For heavy clay soils, add additional organic matter to improve drainage
Pro Tip
While comfrey will grow in poor soil, investing in soil preparation will result in faster establishment and more vigorous growth.
When to Plant
The best times to plant comfrey are:
- Spring: After the danger of frost has passed (soil temperature above 50°F/10°C)
- Fall: At least 6 weeks before first frost to allow establishment before winter
Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat or drought unless you can provide consistent irrigation.
Planting Methods by Comfrey Type
Planting Comfrey Root Cuttings
- Prepare the Trench: Dig a shallow trench about 2-3 inches deep.
- Position Roots: Lay root cuttings horizontally in the trench, spacing them 2-3 feet apart.
- Cover: Cover with 2 inches of soil and firm gently.
- Water: Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
- Mark Location: Place markers to remember where you planted, as growth may take several weeks to appear.
Important Notes
- Root cuttings may take 3-6 weeks to show growth above ground
- Keep soil consistently moist until growth appears
- Planting depth is critical - too deep and they may rot, too shallow and they may dry out
Planting Comfrey Crown Cuttings
- Dig Holes: Prepare holes about 4-6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the crown.
- Position Crowns: Place crown cuttings in the holes with any visible buds pointing upward.
- Cover: Cover with soil so that the top of the crown is about 1-2 inches below the soil surface.
- Firm Soil: Gently firm soil around the crown to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water thoroughly after planting.
Important Notes
- Crown cuttings typically show growth within 2-3 weeks
- Ensure the growing points (buds) are oriented upward
- Space crowns 2-3 feet apart
Planting Comfrey 2" Plugs
- Dig Holes: Prepare holes slightly larger than the plug container.
- Remove Plug: Gently remove the plug from its container, being careful not to disturb the roots.
- Position Plug: Place the plug in the hole at the same depth it was growing in the container.
- Backfill: Fill around the plug with soil and firm gently.
- Water: Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and help the roots establish contact with the soil.
Important Notes
- Water plugs daily for the first week, then every 2-3 days for the next few weeks
- Space plugs 2-3 feet apart
- Protect young plugs from extreme heat or cold for the first few weeks
Planting Comfrey Quart Plants
- Dig Holes: Prepare holes twice as wide as the container and the same depth.
- Remove Plant: Carefully remove the plant from its container, supporting the root ball.
- Inspect Roots: If roots are circling the pot, gently loosen them with your fingers.
- Position Plant: Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill: Fill around the root ball with soil and firm gently.
- Water: Create a small basin around the plant and water thoroughly.
Important Notes
- Water deeply every 2-3 days for the first two weeks
- Space plants 3 feet apart
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Post-Planting Care
Watering
- First Month: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Established Plants: Water during dry periods (comfrey is drought-tolerant once established)
- Signs of Stress: Wilting leaves indicate need for water
Mulching
- Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants
- Keep mulch a few inches away from stems
- Replenish mulch annually in spring
Fertilizing
- Generally not required in reasonably fertile soil
- If desired, apply compost around plants in spring
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote excessive leaf growth
Weed Control
- Keep area weed-free until plants are established
- Once mature, comfrey's dense growth suppresses most weeds
- Hand pull any weeds that do appear
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Growth After Planting
Possible Causes & Solutions:
- Root Cuttings: May take 3-6 weeks to emerge; ensure soil stays moist
- Planting Depth: If planted too deep, growth may be delayed; if too shallow, may dry out
- Temperature: Cold soil temperatures slow growth; be patient during cool weather
Wilting After Planting
Possible Causes & Solutions:
- Transplant Shock: Normal for plugs and plants; keep soil moist and provide afternoon shade if possible
- Inadequate Watering: Check soil moisture and water if dry
- Root Damage: Ensure roots weren't damaged during planting
Yellowing Leaves
Possible Causes & Solutions:
- Overwatering: Reduce watering frequency and ensure good drainage
- Nutrient Deficiency: Add compost around plants
- Normal Aging: Lower leaves naturally yellow as they age
First Year Harvesting Guidelines
Proper harvesting practices in the first year help establish strong, productive plants:
Root & Crown Cuttings
Avoid harvesting in the first year to allow plants to establish strong root systems. If growth is vigorous, a light harvest in late summer may be possible.
2" Plugs
Allow 3-4 months of growth before first light harvest. Limit to 1-2 harvests in the first year, leaving at least 1/3 of the leaves each time.
Quart Plants
May be harvested lightly after 1-2 months. Limit to 2-3 harvests in the first year, always leaving several leaves to support continued growth.
Pro Tip
When harvesting, cut leaves 2-3 inches above the ground rather than pulling them, which can damage the crown.