Comfrey flowers

[rogesse]

Two years ago I bought 6 comfrey bocking 14 off the internet and planted it on the allotment. It has grown really well and I now have 8 on the allotment and 3 at home.

I know the flowers (now threatening) are sterile but should I get rid? Will they affect the potency/performance of the comfrey? The bees seem to love it so I'm reluctant to chop them down and add them to the compost heap!

Am I beeing soppy (get it.....wasn't very good!)

[Jeanied]

Rogesse I use the leaves for compost purposes - or even just cut as green manure - and leave the flowers for the bees. Specially useful for attracting bees to the broadies!
Once the comfrey is happy enough to flower I chop the leaves off with abandon. I find it is very difficult to do that much harm to. But be as soppy as you like where bees are concerned - enlightened self interest!

[sagegreen]

Definately, leave the flowers for the bees

[Prince of Durham]

Good question! I read the other day that you shouldn't let it flower as it weakens the plant. I don't see how, seeing as a along with cockroaches, comfrey will be the only thing to survive a nuclear war. I have the same question about Rhubarb, mines sending up the spike.

Do we let them flower?????

[sarraceniac]

Doesn't matter with comfrey. Does with rhubarb. Nip it in the bud (literally.)

[rogesse]

Thanks all - the flovver stalks ill stay (key betvveen q and e isn't orking)

Prince - my rhubarb is doing the same and given the neglect its had I reckon it means its not happy!

[Prince of Durham]

Well the story goes, before I could read your answer. My Grandfather in law was at the garden this morning. I mentioned the flower spike and before I knew it he'd ripped it off. Needless to say I was a little displeased (never said anything) without knowing if it was the right thing to do.

I'm now pleased I didn't kick him in the back and compost him... thank you

[Orchard Annie]

presumably you want to eat the rhub - if the plant flowers it will put all its energy into the flower and the stems will not grow to their full potential. Once you have a flower growing you will problby get more - so just keep on removing them. You wont damage the plant, in fact you will help to make it more robust.

[royboy]

I have the same question about Rhubarb, mines sending up the spike.

Do we let them flower?????

Dont let it flower. Try to pull out "the spike" rather than cut. This will
stop it from going to seed I think