Search

Wishlist
Wishlist (0)
0
Home/Shop/Fertilizer Plant/Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum)
Sale

Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum)

Add your review

ZK30.00

Russian comfrey, scientifically known as Symphytum x uplandicum, is a specific variety of comfrey known for its vigorous growth and higher nutrient content compared to the common comfrey (Symphytum officinale).

Qty
Wishlist
Compare

1087 in stock

Categories:

Russian comfrey, scientifically known as Symphytum x uplandicum, is a specific variety of comfrey known for its vigorous growth and higher nutrient content compared to the common comfrey (Symphytum officinale). Here’s a description of Russian comfrey:

  1. Appearance: Russian comfrey shares many visual characteristics with common comfrey. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm). The plant has broad, lance-shaped leaves that are covered in coarse hairs, giving them a slightly rough texture. The leaves can range from dark green to deep blue-green in color.
  2. Flowers: Russian comfrey produces clusters of tubular flowers that can be white, pink, or purple, similar to other comfrey varieties. These bell-shaped flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees.
  3. Growth Habit: One of the key features of Russian comfrey is its robust and fast-growing nature. It has deep, extensive roots that allow it to access nutrients from deep within the soil, making it a valuable plant for nutrient accumulation and cycling in permaculture and organic gardening systems.
  4. Nutrient Accumulator: Russian comfrey is often referred to as a “dynamic accumulator” because of its ability to accumulate essential nutrients, particularly potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, in its leaves. These nutrients can be released when the leaves are used as mulch or when comfrey tea is made from them for use as a natural fertilizer.
  5. Garden Use: Russian comfrey is popular among gardeners and permaculturists for its role in improving soil fertility. Its deep root system helps break up compacted soil, and its nutrient-rich leaves can be used as mulch or compost to nourish other plants.

Russian comfrey is a valuable addition to gardens and permaculture systems due to its ability to improve soil quality and provide a natural source of nutrients for other plants.

Show More
Best Planting Time

Comfrey can be planted through out the year in warm climates. Those in cold climates would have to mulch and ensure consistent watering. The best time to plant is months before winter so as to allow the plants to establish themselves before winter.
Marturity

Harvesting Method: To harvest the leaves, you can either pick individual leaves or cut back the entire plant to a few inches above the ground. Cutting back the entire plant can be done once or twice a month once the comfrey has established, depending on the growth rate and your specific gardening needs. Cutting back the plant can also help promote healthy regrowth.

Leaf Uses: The harvested leaves of Russian comfrey can be used for various purposes, including:

Making comfrey tea: Comfrey leaves can be used to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer by steeping them in water. This comfrey tea can be applied to garden plants to boost their growth.

Mulch and compost: Chopped comfrey leaves can be used as mulch around other garden plants or added to compost piles to enrich the compost.

Medicinal purposes: While the primary focus is often on the leaves' use in the garden, they can also be used for traditional herbal remedies. Topical applications, such as poultices, are common for their potential wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember to harvest responsibly and avoid overharvesting, as Russian comfrey is a valuable plant for improving soil fertility and supporting garden health. Allow the plant to regrow and replenish its foliage between harvests to ensure its long-term health and productivity.
Size Of The Hole

The size of a hole for comfrey when planting should be 40cm (length) by 40cm (width) by 40cm (height).
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage before planting.
Spacing

The ideal spacing for Comfrey is 1m between rows and 0.5m within the row, this is to ensure that you cater for good air circulation and leave room for growth of the plant. Note that comfrey plants thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Irrigation

Micro-jet irrigation is an excellent choice for comfrey because they deliver water directly to the root zone.

Water atleast 3 times a week.

The best time to water is in the early morning hours before sunrise and in the evenings when the rate of evaporation is very low. You may choose either time for you to water your plants.

Deep Watering:
When irrigating, apply water slowly and deeply to encourage deep root growth. This helps the plants to access water stored deeper in the soil, making it more resilient to drought.

Mulching:
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or compost, around the base of the plant to help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
Fertilization

You may use animal manure such as goat or cow rotten manure. If you don't have any manure just ensure to water the plant at least 3 times a week.
Common Diseases

Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) is generally a hardy and robust plant that is resistant to many common pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it can occasionally face some issues. Here are a few common diseases and problems that can affect Russian comfrey:

Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect many plants, including Russian comfrey. It appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent powdery mildew.

Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can cause dark, irregular spots or lesions on the leaves of Russian comfrey. Pruning and removing affected leaves can help manage the spread of the disease.

Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can manifest as orange or reddish-brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and undersides of the leaves. It can weaken the plant over time. Remove and destroy affected plant parts to manage rust.

Aphids: While Russian comfrey is generally resistant to many pests, aphids can occasionally infest the plant, especially when it's grown in close proximity to other plants. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause distortion and curling of leaves. You can wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap if necessary.

Slugs and Snails: These common garden pests may feed on the tender leaves of Russian comfrey. Using slug and snail traps, barriers, or natural predators can help protect your plants.

Root Rot: Excessive moisture or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot in comfrey plants. Ensure that the planting site has well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.

Invasive Spread: Russian comfrey has a reputation for vigorous growth and can spread quickly. While this is not a disease, it can become a problem if the plant spreads uncontrollably in your garden. Regular pruning and containment measures, such as planting it in a designated area or using barriers, can help manage its spread.
Disease and Pest control

To maintain the health of your Russian comfrey plants, it's essential to practice good garden hygiene, including proper spacing, avoiding overwatering, and addressing any pest or disease issues promptly. Healthy, well-maintained plants are generally more resistant to pests and diseases.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Russian Comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum)”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your custom content goes here. You can add the content for individual product

Back to Top