What to Expect When Buying Comfrey
We want your comfrey buying experience to be as smooth and predictable as possible. This guide will walk you through our entire process from ordering to planting, so you'll know exactly what to expect at each step.
Ordering Process
Select Your Comfrey Option
Choose from root cuttings, crown cuttings, 2" plugs, or quart starter plants based on your needs and budget.
Place Your Order on Etsy
All our comfrey products are sold through our Etsy shop for secure payment and reliable order tracking.
Order Confirmation
You'll receive an immediate confirmation email with your order details and estimated shipping timeframe.
Shipping Notification
When your order ships (typically the Monday following the order), you'll receive tracking information via email.
Shipping & Packaging
How We Ship
We ship all comfrey products via UPS 2 or 3 day shipping, which typically delivers within 2-3 business days to most U.S. locations.
Orders are processed and shipped Monday in order to reduce the possibility of sitting in the UPS system for the weekend.
We currently ship only to limited US states based on agricultural regulations. We cannot ship international.
Our Packaging
We take great care in packaging your comfrey to ensure it arrives in excellent condition:
- Root & Crown Cuttings: Wrapped in damp paper towels and sealed in plastic bags to maintain moisture during transit.
- 2" Plugs: Secured in plastic bags to protect soil and roots.
- Quart Plants: Carefully wrapped with protective materials to prevent damage to leaves and stems.
All packages include planting instructions specific to your comfrey type.
Seasonal Shipping Note
We ship live plants year-round but may delay shipments during extreme weather conditions to ensure plant health. If your area is experiencing temperatures below 25°F or above 90°F, we may contact you to discuss shipping options.
Upon Arrival
1. Inspect Your Package
Open your package immediately upon arrival and inspect the contents. Bare root cuttings may look dormant - this is normal.
2. Temporary Storage
If you can't plant immediately:
- Root & Crown Cuttings: Keep wrapped in damp paper towels in a cool location for up to 7 days.
- Plugs & Potted Plants: Place in a location with bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
3. Planting
Follow the included planting instructions specific to your comfrey type. For detailed guidance, visit our How to Plant Comfrey page.
Growth Timeline
Comfrey is known for its vigorous growth, but establishment time varies by planting method. Here's what to expect after planting:
First 2-4 Weeks
Little to no visible growth as roots establish underground.
4-8 Weeks
First small leaves emerge from soil.
3-4 Months
Plant develops multiple leaves and begins to establish.
6+ Months
Plant reaches sufficient size for first light harvest.
First 1-3 Weeks
New leaf growth begins to emerge.
4-6 Weeks
Multiple leaves develop and plant becomes established.
2-3 Months
Plant reaches sufficient size for first light harvest.
4+ Months
Plant is fully established and can handle regular harvests.
First 1-2 Weeks
Plant adjusts to new location with minimal transplant shock.
3-4 Weeks
New growth appears as plant becomes established.
6-8 Weeks
Plant reaches sufficient size for first light harvest.
3+ Months
Plant is fully established and can handle regular harvests.
First 1 Week
Plant adjusts to new location with minimal transplant shock.
2-3 Weeks
New growth appears as plant becomes established.
4-6 Weeks
Plant is ready for first harvest.
2+ Months
Plant is fully established and can handle regular harvests.
First Year Care
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) during the establishment phase. Once established, comfrey is drought-tolerant but produces best with regular watering.
Fertilizing
Comfrey generally doesn't require fertilization, especially in reasonably fertile soil. If growth seems slow, a light application of compost around the plant can help.
Mulching
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from stems.
Harvesting
For the first year, limit harvests to allow the plant to establish a strong root system. Cut leaves 2-3 inches above the ground, leaving the growing crown intact.
Our Guarantee
We stand behind the quality of our comfrey plants and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.
If your comfrey arrives damaged or fails to grow despite following our planting instructions, please contact us within 30 days of delivery with photos of the issue. We'll work with you to provide a replacement or refund.
Note that our guarantee covers plant viability upon arrival and initial growth, but cannot cover issues resulting from improper planting, extreme weather events, or animal damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I plant after receiving my comfrey?
Ideally, plant within 1-2 days of receipt. If you need to delay planting, see our temporary storage instructions above.
My comfrey roots/crowns look dry or dormant. Are they still viable?
Yes, bare root comfrey can appear dormant or dry but is typically still viable. Plant according to instructions and keep soil consistently moist until growth appears.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders ship within 1 week and arrive within 2-3 business days after shipping via UPS.
Do you ship internationally?
We currently ship only within the United States.
What if my plants are damaged during shipping?
Contact us immediately with photos of the damaged plants, and we'll arrange for replacements to be sent.