Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) is a flowering herbaceous plant that is native to temperate regions of Europe. Comfrey is widely used externally in traditional medicine, can be invasive and is very attractive to bees. It is also highly beneficial as a green manure for natural fertilising.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Symphytum officinale is also commonly known by the names Slippery Root, Knitbone, Boneset, Consound or True Comfrey. Long term use externally or internal use is highly discouraged as it has the potential to cause toxicity of the liver.
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Growth
Symphytum officinale is a perennial herb plant that reaches an average height of 1.5 metres (5 feet) by a width of around 60cm (24 inches). Comfrey can grow in poor soils and is drought and frost resistance and is found natively among grasslands and along riverbanks.
Comfrey can become an aggressive weed so it is recommended to grow plants in containers or within a confined garden bed. An ideal final position is in full sun and where the plants’ long taproot has space to grow.
As a fast-growing plant, Comfrey leaves are ready to be harvested in around 50-60 days but will take well into their second growing season to start producing their beautiful purple flowers.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Boraginaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 150cm (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 60cm (24 inches)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
18-24 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
80-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
14-21 days at temperatures between 13-20°C / 55-70°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 80
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 5 years.
FACTS ABOUT SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE (Comfrey)
Comfrey has been used for centuries, particularly in Asia and Europe as a vegetable and as a medicinal herb. The early common names included Knitbone and Boneset which reflected its use in poultices to treat sprains, bruises and fractures. When Comfrey roots are mashed and packed around a broken limb it becomes a hardened plaster cast substitute when it dries.
Comfrey has also been used to treat wounds, skin conditions and insect bites.
Though Comfrey has shown remarkable results when used externally, it is not recommended for internal use due to the the presence of a substance called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Comfrey should not be used on any open wounds and should only be used for a duration of up to 10 days at a time.
For more information regarding the medicinal benefits and applications of Comfrey please click here.
