Herb Comfrey Symphytum Officinale
Herb Comfrey Symphytum Officinale. One of the most useful plants on the allotment with the widest range of uses in a permaculture system of any plant. Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial herb with large, hairy leaves and grows in a rosette to 1 m (3’4”) in height. The mauve flowers are bell-like and borne in clusters which are extremely attractive to insects. The leaves are a useful addition to compost or used as mulch, as they contain silica, nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Comfrey leaves are about 17% nitrogen (horse manure is about 14%) and the leaves readily decompose when soaked in water to make an organic liquid manure. Comfrey grows in any soil, preferably moist, in sun or part shade.
Cultivation Advice Herb Comfrey Symphytum Officinale
- Sow from March to June in a seed-bed or in pots indoors. The seed should be placed in a chilled environment (fridge) for 14-28 days to activate the seed prior to sowing, hence greatly improving germination rates.
- Sow seeds thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Can also be sown in pots or trays under glass and transplanted.
- Transplant when large enough to handle to 60cm (2ft) apart between plants.
- Keep well-watered until established. Leaves can be cut regularly throughout the summer and autumn.
