Comfrey [Symphytum officinale]

The perennial comfrey is a versatile tea, fertilizer and medicinal plant with excellent properties for self-sufficiency. Ideal for fertilizer production. A popular and effective medicinal plant that attracts many insects. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvesting the rhizomes and leaves.

 Description 
Comfrey is an old perennial tea, fertilizer and medicinal plant that has been known since ancient times and is widespread in Europe, North Africa and in West and Central Asia. The species grows wild in Europe, mainly in moist locations such as stream and ditch edges. The strong and resilient perennial develops purple to light violet flowers that attract many insects. The rhizomes, which form strong runners, are used as medicine; they help heal wounds and relieve broken bones, tendonitis and swelling. A liquid manure made from the plant is an excellent nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and strengthens the resistance of plants to pests and fungal diseases.

 General information 
Plant family: Boraginaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 100 cm
Root type: Deep rooter, runner forming
Nutrient requirements: Medium
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -30°C
Location: Sunny until semi shady
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6,5 to 7,5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark and cold germinator
Sowing depth: 1 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 3-10 °C
Germination time: 20-30 days
Plant and row spacing: 50x50 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 1-2 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from November to January is recommended. With artificial stratification, sowing is also possible from February to April. The ideal location for the plants is sunny.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend direct sowing from March to May or in autumn from October to November. With artificial stratification, this is also possible from February to April. The plants should ideally be in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing in rows is recommended. The germination of the seeds is naturally irregular and requires exposure to cold at around 0°C for 5-6 weeks. Alternatively, artificial stratification in the refrigerator is possible. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing. Pre-cultivation is also advisable.
Comfrey does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
The main harvest occurs in the second year if the seed is sown late. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds or root division.

 Plant care 
After the first frosts in late autumn, it is advisable to prune the plant so that it grows more vigorously next year and to prevent uncontrolled seed spread. Regular watering results in more stable growth. Fertilizing is only recommended in spring.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Symphytum officinale
English names: Comfrey, Common comfrey, True comfrey 
German names: Beinwell, Beinheil, Beinwurz, Echter Beinwell, Bienenkraut, Wundallheil, Eselohrwurz, Milchwurz, Schadheilwurz, Wallwurz
Portuguese names: Confrei, Consolda
Spanish names: Consuelda
French names: Consoude, Confée, la consoude

 Origin 
Country: Portugal