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Herb
Comfrey

Comfreys in Barnsole

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 Feb – 30 Mar

    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 February - 30th March so the bed is ready for a long-term planting.

  2. Plant Crowns

    2 Mar – 13 Apr

    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

    23 Mar – 21 Jul

    Keep the bed clear of weeds and water during dry spells through 23rd March - 21st July 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

    2 Mar – 16 Mar
    every 365 days

    Top-dress the crown area with compost or a balanced organic feed as new growth starts. Repeat once a year from 2nd March for steady leafy growth and better cutting the following season.

  5. Harvest Leaves

    16 Mar – 14 Jul

    Cut young leaves and stems for feed from 16th March once the plant is established. Take only a few cuts over 16th March - 14th July, then stop so the plant can rebuild its crown for next year.

  6. Cut Back

    12 Nov – 10 Dec

    After the first frosts, cut the dying foliage down to ground level and clear away debris from 12th November - 10th December. 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.