Propagating comfrey
There are two ways to propagate comfrey: by root cuttings or by creating offsets.
The best time to propagate is between March and May, although you can do this at any time of the year - expect December and January when the plant is fully dormant.
Producing comfrey offsets (small plants) 🔗
In March or early April, remove the crown of a mature plant by driving a spade horizontally through the crown about 8cm below the soil surface.
Split it into offsets - small pieces, each with its own growing point. Plant these out separately then cover the remaining cut root surface with soil; it will re-grow vigorously within 2-3 months.
This method has the advantage of causing least disturbance to the original comfrey bed.
Taking root cuttings 🔗
The benefits of root cuttings is that it provides many cuttings, as well as offsets:
- Dig up the entire plant, including its root.
- Remove the crown as if you were following the steps to produce offsets.
- Chop up the remaining thick tap root into 2.5-5cm lengths.
- Plant these root segments 5cm deep in their permanent site. They will readily grow into new plants.
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