Comfrey

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

I grew some Bocking 14 from root cuttings last year - and none of them have appeared yet this year. Not given up hope yet. Will be gutted if they don't come back as they did well in the first year.

* I should add they are in pots - so I am hoping the prolonged wet did not do them in.

I decided to try and grow some from some seed I was given - none are doing anything yet (might give up hope on these very soon!).

[Florence Fennel]

Thanks all, that's reassuring. I've no reason to think it'll not come up, but I'm sure it has already had some growth at this time last year. I'll keep my eye on it. It's saved me a fortune in plant food for the last few years. I even used it on the tomatoes last year and got a smashing crop.

[Kristen]

I decided to try and grow some from some seed I was given - none are doing anything yet (might give up hope on these very soon!).

My recommendation would be to stick to Bocking 14. I grew some from seed before I knew about (sterile) Bocking 14, and although the original seed-grown plants were culled some time ago I still have seedlings springing up as a result

[alldigging]

My recommendation would be to stick to Bocking 14. I grew some from seed before I knew about (sterile) Bocking 14, and although the original seed-grown plants were culled some time ago I still have seedlings springing up as a result

The seedy stuff will only set seed if you let it.
If you're hacking it down regularly it shouldn't be a problem.

[Kristen]

The seedy stuff will only set seed if you let it.
If you're hacking it down regularly it shouldn't be a problem.

True. Although for anyone who has access to Bocking 14 I think that would be a better bet - or is there some advantage of the regular variety? I can't think, for example, that my Bocking 14 is any less vigorous than the from-seed version was. T'was a while ago though ...

[alldigging]

True. Although for anyone who has access to Bocking 14 I think that would be a better bet - or is there some advantage of the regular variety? I can't think, for example, that my Bocking 14 is any less vigorous than the from-seed version was. T'was a while ago though ...

You can make more plants by letting it seed. Ideal if you have a bit of waste land near you that would benefit from having something growing on it.
I know you can make root cuttings too.

[Kristen]

Good point.

In my case I let mine seed through laziness !! and now suffer the consequences, hence my preference to suggest folk go for Bocking 14.

But I've known people plant pernicious things ... like Horseradish ... along a ditch "nearby" so they don't have to suffer it in their own gardens, and I can see the sense in that ... not that I would recommend any such thing, of course

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

Yup, I got Bocking 14 for that reason. I am pleased to report that after a quick furtle at lunchtime all 3 pots are alive and just poking their heads out. So when they are up a bit, I will find them nice big space(s) to do their thing. Then maybe when they are well enough established, I'll take a few root cuttings of my own.

The reason I tried the seed, is simply because I had a packet here and I like a challenge. I was thinking about a little gorilla gardening with the seeding comfrey - although I do have some space for a bit to run wild.

[DannyRam]

I bought 6 roots off ebay. They arrived in a small parcel yesterday and they were in lengths of app 4 inches. Is there any reason that I shouldn't cut these in half before I plant them in pots?

[Two_Sheds]

I wouldn't, not until they are a bit bigger. After a year or two the roots will be 6"-12" long, and easily cut with a spade. Every year I increase my stock this way

[alldigging]

I'd start them off as they are. You will be able to divide them up next year!

[Dorothy rouse]

I bought 6 roots off ebay. They arrived in a small parcel yesterday and they were in lengths of app 4 inches. Is there any reason that I shouldn't cut these in half before I plant them in pots?

Danny I'd like to buy some to, can you let me know which supplier you used? I had a quick look and there are a number,pity the GC don't seem to supply it.

Thanks

[DannyRam]

Danny I'd like to buy some to, can you let me know which supplier you used? I had a quick look and there are a number,pity the GC don't seem to supply it.

Thanks

I have sent the link on a PM
Danny

[Two_Sheds]

Danny I'd like to buy some to, can you let me know which supplier you used?

I've not got any listed this year, because Royal Mail's price increases have made it not viable. The postage costs far more than the cost of the roots, and eB@yers have learned to expect free P&P


Look for sellers with 100% positive feedback, is a general tip

[Dorothy rouse]

I've not got any listed this year, because Royal Mail's price increases have made it not viable. The postage costs far more than the cost of the roots, and eB@yers have learned to expect free P&P


Look for sellers with 100% positive feedback, is a general tip

Will do, thanks, Danny has told where he got his from.

Wondering tho, can you grow it in large pots?