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Herb
Comfrey

Comfreys in Bath

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

    28 Feb – 13 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 28th February - 13th April so the bed is ready for a long-term planting.

  2. Plant Crowns

    16 Mar – 27 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

    6 Apr – 4 Aug

    Keep the bed clear of weeds and water during dry spells through 6th April - 4th 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

    16 Mar – 30 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 16th March for steady leafy growth and better cutting the following season.

  5. Harvest Leaves

    30 Mar – 28 Jul

    Cut young leaves and stems for feed from 30th March once the plant is established. Take only a few cuts over 30th March - 28th July, then stop so the plant can rebuild its crown for next year.

  6. Cut Back

    6 Nov – 4 Dec

    After the first frosts, cut the dying foliage down to ground level and clear away debris from 6th November - 4th 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.