It is locally frequent throughout Ireland and Britain on river banks and ditches. It is native to Europe, growing in damp, grassy places. Other English names include Quaker comfrey, cultivated comfrey, boneset, knitbone, consound, and slippery-root. To differentiate it from other members of the genus Symphytum, this species is known as common comfrey or true comfrey. Along with thirty four other species of Symphytum, it is known as comfrey. Symphytum officinale is a perennial flowering plant in the family Boraginaceae. Leaves can be cut regularly throughout the summer and autumn. Transplant when large enough to handle to 60cm (2ft) apart between plants.Can also be sown in pots or trays under glass and transplanted. Sow seeds thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart.The seed benefit from being placed in a chilled environment (fridge) for 14-28 days to activate the seed prior to sowing, hence improving germination rates. Sow from March to June in a seed-bed or in pots indoors.Comfrey grows in any soil, preferably moist, in the sun or part shade. Comfrey leaves are about 17% nitrogen (horse manure is about 14%) and the leaves readily decompose when soaked in water to make organic liquid manure. The leaves are a useful addition to compost or used as mulch, as they contain silica, nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron. The mauve flowers are bell-like and borne in clusters that are extremely attractive to insects. Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial herb with large, hairy leaves and grows in a rosette to 1 m (3’4”) in height. One of the most useful plants on the allotment with the widest range of uses in a permaculture system of any plant. Comfrey Seeds (Symphytum officinale) Price for Package of 5 seeds.

Comfrey symphytum officinale plants