Comfrey cutting, Symphytum officinale, Comfrey root

Sowing **Symphytum officinale** (comfrey) seeds is a simple and effective method for growing this perennial plant, which is widely used in natural medicine, organic gardening, and as an ornamental plant. Here's a guide to successfully sowing comfrey:

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### **Steps for sowing Symphytum officinale**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Outdoor sowing**: From March to May or in autumn (September-October).
- **Indoor sowing**: From February to April for an early start.

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#### **2. Seed preparation:**
Comfrey seeds need cold stratification to break their natural dormancy.

##### **Cold stratification (if sowing in spring)**:
1. Mix the seeds with moist sand or peat.
2. Place them in an airtight plastic bag or closed container.
3. Store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of **4°C to 5°C** for **6 to 8 weeks**.
4. Check regularly that the substrate remains slightly moist.

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#### **3. Substrate preparation:**
- **Soil type**:
- Comfrey prefers rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Use a mixture of seed starting mix and well-rotted compost.
- **In the ground**:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of 15 to 20 cm and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure.

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#### **4. Sowing the seeds:**

##### **Sowing in pots or boxes:**
1. **Filling**:
- Fill the containers with the prepared substrate.
2. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Place the seeds on the surface and cover them lightly with a thin layer of substrate (about 0.5 to 1 cm).
3. **Watering**:
- Moisten the substrate with a spray bottle or a fine-spout watering can.

##### **Sowing in open ground:**
1. **Provision**:
- Sow the seeds directly into the soil to a depth of **1 cm**.
2. **Spacing**:
- Leave a space of **30 to 40 cm** between each sowing.
3. **Watering**:
- Water gently to moisten the soil.

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#### **5. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Seeds germinate best between **15°C and 20°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Maintain constant humidity in the substrate until germination.
- **Light** :
- Seeds do not need direct light to germinate.
- **Germination time**:
- Germination can take between **2 and 4 weeks**, depending on conditions.

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#### **6. Care after germination:**
1. **Thinning**:
- If the seedlings are too dense, thin them out to allow enough space for growth.
2. **Watering**:
- Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
3. **Exhibition**:
- Place the young plants in a bright location, but without direct sunlight.

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#### **7. Transplanting:**
- **When to transplant**:
- When the young plants reach a height of **10 to 15 cm** and their root system is well developed.
- **Planting into pots**:
- Transplant the young plants into individual pots if you have sown them in boxes.
- **Planting in open ground**:
- Plant young plants outdoors in spring or fall, when the soil is well prepared.

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#### **8. Planting in open ground:**
1. **Location**:
- Choose a sunny or lightly shaded location with rich, moist soil.
2. **Spacing**:
- Plant the comfrey at a distance of **50 cm** from each other.
3. **Watering**:
- Water regularly the first few weeks after planting to encourage rooting.

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#### **9. Long-term maintenance:**
1. **Watering**:
- Comfrey likes moist soil. Water regularly in case of drought.
2. **Fertilization**:
- Add compost or organic fertilizer in spring to stimulate growth.
3. **Size**:
- Cut off faded or damaged leaves to encourage regrowth.
4. **Multiplication**:
- Comfrey can also be propagated by dividing clumps or by root cuttings in spring.

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### **Uses of Symphytum officinale:**
1. **Natural fertilizer**:
- Comfrey leaves are rich in nutrients and can be used to make liquid manure or as mulch.
2. **Medicinal plant**:
- Comfrey is traditionally used for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. **Ornament**:
- Its purple or pink flowers attract pollinators, making it an excellent choice for ecological gardens.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Hardiness**:
- Comfrey is a hardy perennial plant that can survive low winter temperatures.
2. **Beware of the invasion**:
- It can become invasive if left unchecked. Prune regularly to limit its spread.
3. **Crop Rotation**:
- Use comfrey as a green manure in your vegetable garden to enrich the soil between two crops.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Symphytum officinale** is a simple way to grow this versatile and useful plant. With basic care, it will thrive in your garden, enrich your soil, and offer numerous ecological and medicinal benefits. 🌱🌿