Common Comfrey Root seed Symphytum officinale

LATIN NAME: SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE

COMMON NAME: Common Comfrey

The common comfrey mends the soft, hairy leaves with the broad, lance-shaped blades and the nodding clusters of the small, purple and cream flowers through the summer, the whole plant carrying the sturdy, useful look of the old cottage herbs. The flowers open in the curled clusters, the roots grow thick and black-skinned, and the plant spreads into the generous, leafy clumps. The leaves are rich in the minerals, and they have served the gardens and the remedies for the ages. It likes the sun or the part shade, and the deep, moist, rich soil.

Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology

In the borage family, the common comfrey carries a long, documented record in the herbal research. The chemists have studied the allantoin and the related compounds in the roots and the leaves, while the gardeners value the mineral-rich leaves for the compost and the liquid feed. The traditional use keeps the species in the cultivation lists, and the growers of the medicinal herbs find it one of the easiest and the most generous of the crop.

Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications

In the moist corner of the garden, the common comfrey heals and feeds at once. The roots and the leaves have served the healing ointments and the poultices for the ages, the mineral-rich leaves make the rich compost and the liquid feed, and the flowers draw the bees. The plant gives the generous, leafy growth and the steady, useful harvest through the season. Sturdy, valuable and uncomplaining.

The common comfrey seeds germinate in a moist, gritty soil kept bright and cool. The seedlings rise within a few weeks, and they grow on fast with the broad, hairy leaves. Prick them out into the deep, moist, rich ground once they are big enough, and give them the sun or the part shade. The clumps spread with the seasons, and the first useful leaves come within the first year. Cut them back for the fresh growth.

To grow the common comfrey from seed, sow the small, rough seeds evenly into the shallow pot of moist, gritty soil, then cover them lightly, keep the pot in the bright, cool spot and water gently. The seedlings appear within a few weeks, and they grow on steadily. Settle the young plants in the deep, moist, rich ground, and the leafy clumps will mend the soil over the years.

Root seed

Variety known and used for centuries. Purple, rose or white flowers.