Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Widely cultivated for centuries as a medicinal herb, mainly used as a poultice for healing external wounds. It  is also an important crop for organic gardens. It can be cut and used as a mulch, made into compost tea, you can bury the leaves with other plants to act as instant compost or add it to your compost pile as an activator, helping heat it up plus it adds nitrogen. It has all the essential nutrients for plant growth. A large plant with deep green fuzzy type leaves and nodding purple flowers. Grows to 36-40”. 

20 seeds

PLANTING

Perennial, zone 4-8

Germination: 10-21 days

Seed Planting Depth: 1/4" deep   

Starting Indoors/Outdoors:  Comfrey seeds need to be cold treated, also known as stratification for optimum germination. Sow seed in a moisten soil-less growing medium, enclose in plastic bag or small container then place in refrigerator for a 20-60 days. Place in a warm area for germination, providing soil temperatures of 68-80 degrees F.  Transplant outside anytime after the last frost, 2-3 apart. Sow outdoors after cold treating and when the soil is at least 68-70 degrees F.

Light Needs:  Sun to some shade

Soil Needs:  Average, well drained

Uses: Medicinal, ornamental, attracts bees and beneficals