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herbPerennial

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Also known as: knitbone, Russian comfrey

Vigorous deep-rooted perennial prized as compost activator and mulch plant. Leaves rich in nutrients. Not for internal use.

Comfrey

Growing Requirements

SunFull Sun
WaterMedium
Soil Type
Soil DrainageModerate
Soil pH
Plant Spacing36–48″
Row Spacing36–48″
Planting Depth2–3″
Height24–48″
Spread24–36″
✗ Not Container Friendly✗ Not Raised Bed Friendly

Planting Schedule

Direct Sow (Spring)

2–4 weeks before last frost

Transplant Outdoors

0–9 weeks after last frost

Days to Harvest

60–90 days

Zone Suitability

USDA Hardiness Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Zones 3–9

Can overwinter in appropriate zones

Perennial in zones 3–9

Plant root cuttings in early spring. Extremely vigorous — nearly impossible to remove. Use Bocking 14 cultivar (sterile, non-spreading).

Companion Plants

No companion data available for this plant yet.

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