How to Start Comfrey From Root Cuttings

If you have read anything about permaculture you have probably come across comfrey, a fast growing perennial that is commonly used in fruit tree guilds (companion planting). Its many benefits warrants its use in all garden settings and it is so easy to start from root cuttings!

I started growing comfrey about 4 years ago and I am quite happy I did. Comfrey is a pleasant plant with large green leaves and purple bell like flowers. It grows quickly but if you choose bocking 14 comfrey it won't get out of hand. I choose to grow and sell Bocking 14 comfrey for that very reason. Unlike other varieties of comfrey, it has sterile seeds and thus only expands from the crown and roots. Before we get into how to start comfrey from root cuttings, let's take a look at some of its many benefits/ uses in the garden.

Benefits of Comfrey in the Garden

1. Comfrey attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. The pretty purple bell flowers of comfrey are a frequent stop for bees and other garden friends. Not only does it attract these beneficial insects but it also provides shelter for them amongst its large leaves.
2. Comfrey is a dynamic accumulator. The deep roots of comfrey mine or accumulates nutrients from the lower layers of the soil and bring the nutrients up into its leaves. These nutrients can be given to other plants.
3. Mulching with comfrey allows the nutrients in comfrey's leaves to be passed onto other plants. As the leaves break down the nutrients are released back into the soil where other plants are able to obtain them.  Comfrey grows quickly and you should have no problem cutting your plants back several times a season to use for mulch.
4. Comfrey is an amazing compost activator. Chopping up some comfrey and adding it to your compost pile will increase nutrient content in your compost.
5. Comfrey can be used as animal forage.

​Are you convinced yet? Ready to get your own cuttings and get them in your garden? I explain the super easy process of starting comfrey from root cuttings in the video below.

How to Start Comfrey From Root Cuttings

Although it can take several weeks for you cuttings to sprout it is well worth your wait and your garden will thank you for this pleasant addition. 

Happy planting!

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