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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: caroline7758 on July 10, 2008, 12:24:27

Title: Comfrey
Post by: caroline7758 on July 10, 2008, 12:24:27
There's been so much talk of comfrey lately, I feel I need to grow some! Can I still sow it now, or shall I wait until next spring?
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: calendula on July 10, 2008, 12:32:55
either I should think but it would be quicker if you could beg some root off another plot holder - probably glad to have it cut down  ;D
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: caroline7758 on July 10, 2008, 16:36:06
Not sure anyone else on the site has any- must have a nosey!
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: tonybloke on July 10, 2008, 17:38:48
make sure you get the 'bocking 14' strain, it's got the best nutrient levels, and doesn't  ;)set seed!!
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: grawrc on July 10, 2008, 22:07:50
i know how useful it is but is comfrey not also a bit of a "thug"?
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: asbean on July 10, 2008, 22:15:23
The bocking 14 (or Russian comfrey I think) is not supposed to be as invasive as the wild kind that seeds itself everywhere possible.  You can watch it grow, I've never seen anything grow like comfrey.
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: weedgrower on July 13, 2008, 22:17:50
with comfrey you need to allocate it a bed for approx 20 years. i bought some roots of ebay and when they came they looked rubbish. i didnt think they would grow at all. they looked just like stumps of twig. anyway planted them as per instruction and am glad i did. i have just taken my 3rd cutting of them and use the feed on alsorts. i put the leaves and stalkes in a netting back and soak in a barrel of water. i cetainly wouldnt be without it. wear gloves when handling it as it can cause irritation to the skin
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on July 14, 2008, 11:22:29
It's indestructible, and once it's been in a bed, it's extremely difficult to get rid of. I have the native sort, and I've never found it spread or seeded, despite what other people say.
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: gowdin on July 14, 2008, 19:14:57
hi
an old guy many years ago told me of comfrey tea
which is comfrey leaves steeped in urine be very careful where you put it though it absolutly stinks
but by `eck it does a brilliant job

Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on July 14, 2008, 20:01:57
Pile the comfrey up in a barrel or something, and leave it to rot. You can take the liquid form the bottom.
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: Amazin on July 15, 2008, 00:31:15
I got a postcard from Australia the other day. It read:

With Best Wishes,

             Your Comfrey roots

PS. Stop nicking our leaves!
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: star on July 15, 2008, 01:04:17
 ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: caroline7758 on July 15, 2008, 07:53:19
Think I might grow it in a big pot!
Title: Re: Comfrey
Post by: sawfish on July 15, 2008, 10:40:56
have a scout about on bits of waste land, you usually see it growing wild. I wouldn't want it actually growing in my plot.