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Herb
Comfrey

Comfreys in Barnhill

Symphytum officinale

A hardy perennial for a permanent UK garden bed. It grows best in moist, fertile soil and is usually planted from crowns or bare roots in spring, then cut back for feed a few times each year once established.

Height100cm
SunlightPartial Shade
WaterModerate Water

Growing Guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Comfrey

Planting Calendar

TransplantLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
FertiliseLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
PruneLater
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
HarvestNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
MaintenanceNow
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

  1. Prepare the Bed

    14 Mar – 27 Apr

    Clear the site of perennial weeds and dig in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure before planting. Work the soil to a fine tilth and leave it settled for 14th March - 27th April so the bed is ready for a long-term planting.

  2. Plant Crowns

    30 Mar – 11 May

    Plant dormant crowns or bare roots once the ground is workable, setting them at depth. Space them apart, then water in well straight after planting.

  3. Keep Weed Free

    20 Apr – 18 Aug

    Keep the bed clear of weeds and water during dry spells through 20th April - 18th August while the roots settle in. Do not cut any growth in the first year, let the foliage build the root crown for future harvests.

  4. Top-Dress

    30 Mar – 13 Apr
    every 365 days

    Top-dress the crown area with compost or a balanced organic feed as new growth starts. Repeat once a year from 30th March for steady leafy growth and better cutting the following season.

  5. Harvest Leaves

    13 Apr – 11 Aug

    Cut young leaves and stems for feed from 13th April once the plant is established. Take only a few cuts over 13th April - 11th August, then stop so the plant can rebuild its crown for next year.

  6. Cut Back

    7 Oct – 4 Nov

    After the first frosts, cut the dying foliage down to ground level and clear away debris from 7th October - 4th November. This helps keep the planting tidy and reduces places where pests can overwinter.

Companion Plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Comfrey.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested Varieties

Popular varieties of Comfrey to consider

Bocking 14

A common sterile Russian comfrey selection, widely used in UK gardens for leaf production and as a mulch crop.

Bocking 4

A well-known comfrey selection grown for vigorous leafy growth and frequent cutting for compost or liquid feed.

Also in nearby towns

See how Comfrey timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.