Comfrey Seeds

Sow Comfrey seeds directly into well-prepared soil. Press the seeds lightly into the surface, covering them with a thin layer of soil. Once the seedlings germinate, thin them to at least 60cm (48in) apart to allow the strongest room to grow. Choose a sunny or partially shaded area with moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly until plants are established. Once mature, comfrey is low-maintenance and will return each year.

Comfrey seeds can be sown from March to June. They require warm soil to germinate, so if starting earlier, sow them indoors or under cover in trays. Outdoor sowing works well from late spring onward once temperatures remain consistently mild. Autumn sowing is possible in milder regions but may result in slower germination. 

Comfrey is widely used as a natural fertiliser due to its high potassium content, making it particularly good for feeding fruiting plants like tomatoes. The leaves can be added to compost heaps to speed up decomposition or steeped in water to create a nutrient-rich liquid feed. Comfrey is also grown as green manure, helping to improve soil structure and fertility. In addition to its gardening benefits, it is a pollinator-attracting flower, providing nectar for bees and other insects. Its deep roots can even help break up compacted soil, making it valuable for improving poor ground over time.