Comfrey root cuttings

[elhuerto]

I've just received some comfrey root cuttings, they're quite small so would it be better to place them in pot before planting out or can they go straight in the ground. Any advise welcome.

Cheers

[elhuerto]

[daileg]

is there any roots on them or are they just cuttings if yes then a pot would be better

[ceres]

They grow quite happily from small fragments of root (usually where you would rather they didn't!).  They don't need coddling in pots.

[elhuerto]

Yes, they have several roots showing. Should they be banished to a quiet corner of the allotment if they tend to take over?

[ceres]

The plants themselves aren't invasive as such - they do tend to sprawl a bit when the stems get too tall but you can stick in a couple of canes with string between to contain them if you need to.  They disappear completely in the winter.  It's best to plant them where you intend leaving them as the roots go down a very long way and once planted, you're unlikely to be able to get rid of all the roots and they will keep growing back again.

The common varieties self-seed all over the place and can be a nuisance.  There is a strain originally bred at HDRA called Bocking 14 that doesn't set seed which is a more neighbourly one to grow 

[elhuerto]

Thanks, these are supposed to be Bocking 14 so hopefully that'll be ok then.