Advice Re. Propogating Comfrey Please.

[snuffer]

A neighbouring plot holder has kindly given me permission to dig up a couple of her comfrey roots.

Can I take root cuttings now or would I be better waiting until next spring?

[Two_Sheds]

They'll take now, just water them in well.

[rustylady]

Dig them up, stick them in, and keep watered till they get settled.

[snuffer]

Thanks Two Sheds and rustylady, but just to clarify. Do you mean dig up and re-plant the whole plant?

What I want to do is take one or two good roots, cut them into small sections of about 30mm / 1 inch (root cuttings I think they're called) pot them up and grow them on ready for re-planting later.

Is that possible at this time of year?

[zazen999]

Yes, that's what they mean....you can take your roots cuttings now.

[snuffer]

Thanks for that. I'll be off to the lottie later on to collect some roots. I'll bring them home to prepare and pot them up.

I know this sounds bad from a bloke that's been gardening for years, but I have never taken root cuttings before. Never taken any cuttings if I'm honest although Mrs snuffer does strike cuttings for the flower borders.

Couldn't ask Mrs snuffer for advice because she is in the wilds of Derbyshire with a group of pupils from school. Rather her than me.

[zazen999]

They take really well snuffer; I planted mine in a space at the lottie then several weeks later moved them to a separate bit that will be a comfrey bed.....and in the spring I get new plants in the place that the original plants were planted......which I dig up and use for root cuttings and give to lottie neighbours.

[Two_Sheds]

I'll be off to the lottie later on to collect some roots. I'll bring them home to prepare and pot them up.

I wouldn't bother. They do better if you just cut a bit off (with a bit of leaf attached to each section of root) and put it straight in the soil, about 18" apart.

It really doesn't like being in a pot, because it dries out too quickly.