How to Grow Comfrey

Updated June 2026

A warm-season flower for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Comfrey is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Comfrey in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the comfrey page for exact timing.

Varieties

Bocking 14, Sterile, won't seed and spread (nurseries (root cuttings))

How to grow it

Sun & soil: part sun to light shade, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 24 in between plants.
Sowing: sow about 2 in deep.
Water: roughly 1.3 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Few. In humid regions, Few can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Comfrey is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant comfrey where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

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