You should be growing comfrey in your garden. Here's why and 6+ helpful tips

You're probably sitting there scratching your head, wondering exactly what comfrey is and why you're being told to plant it in your garden, right? Rest assured you're about to learn right now.
Comfrey is a hardy, reliable perennial herb that was a staple in ancient herb gardens because of its healing properties. Both the leaves and roots can be used to make poultices to apply to injured areas, a strong tea can be made to soak sore appendages or dab on cuts, and crushed foliage can be applied topically to rashes or wounds as long as there is no open skin. Comfrey leaves also help aid in the garden because of their high nitrogen content: they activate compost heaps and can be used as a natural fertilizer to give plants a quick boost of nutrients.
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1. Can be planted any time
If the ground is workable, comfrey plants can be planted! Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, gardeners in southern climates can plant year round; gardeners in northern climates can plant as long as the ground isn't frozen.
2. Prefers full sun
As quickly as these plants grow, they need plenty of sun to generate the food they need to shoot up. Plant comfrey plants in full sun locations that receive a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered light every day.
3. Use cuttings to start
Most gardeners choose to use root or crown cuttings to start their comfrey plants. Root cuttings are the least expensive option and according to Coe's Comfry will grow to the size of a 1-year plant in 1/5 - 2 years; crown cuttings are more expensive but will generate a one-year sized plant in 1 - 1.5 years.
4. Space plants 3' apart
When planting comfrey it's best to space plants 3' apart to allow them room to fully mature. It may seem like that is too far apart when plants are small but this spacing will allow you to walk between/around plants to harvest plant material when they are fully mature.
5. Keep soil moist when plants are establishing
The first couple of growing seasons are critical to the development of the plants' root systems and the longevity of your plants. Comfrey can put down taproots that are 8-10' in length, with a spread of 3', and then live for decades. Keep the soil evenly moist around the plants for the first couple of growing season to encourage this taproot growth.
6. Enrich soil periodically
With such an amazing taproot system, comfrey plants are known for "pulling up" nutrients from the lower soil profiles, breaking up heavy clay soils, and aerating the land. They do still benefit from adding manure or another type of organic matter to the soil to help with improving water retention and soil structure.
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7. Harvest often
Plants will thrive if they are continuously harvested. Any time before the plants bloom (if you plan to use the leaves for medicinal purposes) chop the entire plant off about 2" above the soil. It will quickly regrow again allowing you to gather multiple harvests during a growing season. If you live in a northern growing area where plants do not grow year round, The Herbwalker gives step by step instructions on how to dry comfrey to use in the off season.