What is Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey?

What is Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey?

The Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey is a sterile hybrid that will not sed seed but can still spread if its roots are disturbed. Comfrey has long been a favorite of ecological minded gardeners and farmers to build soil and bring nutrients to the surface as a chop and drop mulch.

Does Bocking 14 Comfrey spread?

Probably one of the most useful, beneficial plants you can grow that has one of the worst reputations of any plant! In our 6 years of growing this plant, it has never spread unless disturbed. …

How do you grow Bocking 14?

Insert a spade across the middle of the plant and cut straight down, splitting the plant in two. Dig up half and fill the hole left with compost or a compost and soil mix. The half of the plant left in the ground will recover and be as productive as the other plants in the comfrey bed in a year’s time.

What is the difference between common comfrey and Russian comfrey?

Flowers of common comfrey are usually creamy yellow, but white, red, or purple types have been found in Europe. Prickly comfrey has pink and blue flowers while Russian comfrey has blue, purple, or red-purple flowers.

What is comfrey plant good for?

Comfrey is an herbal supplement used for conditions such as bronchitis, bruises (topical use), cancer, cough (persistent), fractures (topical use), peptic ulcer, rheumatism, skin ulcers (topical use), sprains (topical use), wound healing (topical use), gastritis, ulcers, excessive menstrual flow, and to gargle for gum …

Is comfrey Bocking 14 good for bees?

Comfrey is a great plant to have as the flowers look not only pretty and are very attractive to bumblebees but it is also a good compost activator and can be made into liquid fertiliser as well. To avoid the plants seeding around there is also a sterile variety of Russian comfrey available which is called Bocking 14.

Should comfrey be cut back?

Comfrey is a hardy plant and grows so vigorously that it can overtake an area in a single growing season. Cutting your plant back will only encourage additional stem and leaf growth. Go ahead and cut away the flowering stalk. As you’re harvesting, allow some leaves to remain near the soil level to help feed the roots.

When should Comfrey be planted?

spring
Sow and Plant New growth emerges in mid-spring, followed by flowers that attract pollinators in early summer.

Where is the best place to plant comfrey?

full sun
Comfrey grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. But will grow almost anywhere. Comfrey prefers a sweet soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and grows best in rich, moist soil in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. * It will grow well in clay, light sands or loams — whether in dry or wet areas.

What is Russian comfrey good for?

Comfrey is used as a tea for upset stomach, ulcers, heavy menstrual periods, diarrhea, bloody urine, persistent cough, painful breathing (pleuritis), bronchitis, cancer, and chest pain (angina). It is also used as a gargle for gum disease and sore throat.

What kind of comfrey is used for permaculture?

Russian comfrey
While true comfrey can spread easily, Russian comfrey has sterile seed, so it won’t take over the garden. That benefit, plus the fact that it is a vigorous grower, is why many permaculture gardeners grow it as biomass for mulch or green manure.

Is comfrey good for the garden?

Comfrey is the organic gardener’s best friend. Its leaves are full of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – all nutrients needed by growing plants. Master the use of comfrey and you’ll never need to buy expensive fertiliser again.