Thread: Comfrey
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Old 02-28-2015, 09:14 AM   #7 (permalink)
pmurphy
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Default Re: Comfrey

Quote:
Originally Posted by redswe View Post
My actual plan was to expand the mulched area around my peach and apple trees. I was told to plant at or beyond the drip line . Wouldn't this put the comfrey outside of the root zone ?
I would be happy just growing it, green manure for compost and as mulch , Blocking 14 doesnt produce viable seed so not invasive as the common type ....
But the roots grow very quickly and deeply (kind of like morning glory), and once established the plant will quickly expand, getting bigger every year. Handle with care!

"......Comfrey is a fast-growing plant, producing huge amounts of leaf during the growing season, and hence is very nitrogen hungry. Although it will continue to grow no matter what,.........Despite being sterile, Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey will steadily increase in size. It is therefore advisable to split it up every few years (and at the same time propagate more plants that can be shared with fellow gardeners!). It is however difficult to remove comfrey once established as it is very deep rooting, and any fragments left in the soil will regrow. Rotovation can be successful, but may take several seasons. The best way to eradicate comfrey is to very carefully dig it out, removing as much of the root as possible. This is best done in hot, dry summer weather, wherein the dry conditions will help to kill off any remaining root stumps. Comfrey is generally trouble free once established, although weaker or stressed plants can suffer from comfrey rust or mildew..........."
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