Back
Skip to product information
Comfrey Root Stock

Comfrey (Bocking 14) Rootstock

Symphytum Uplandicum

Our Comfrey is Bocking 14 (or Russian Comfrey), a Sterile (does not self-seed) deep-rooted perennial herb known for its ability to improve soil health and support garden ecosystems. Its deep taproots mine nutrients from the subsoil, bringing them to the surface, making comfrey an excellent natural fertiliser. The leaves are commonly used as "green manure," compost activators, or mulch around other plants to promote growth. This Comfrey only spreads via the roots.

Comfrey also has a long history of medicinal use in traditional remedies for skin healing and reducing inflammation, although internal use is now discouraged due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content.

Comfrey pairs well with fruit trees, tomatoes, and potatoes, providing a boost to their growth while improving soil structure and retaining moisture.

The package has ~2-5 roots.

Where Can You Grow Comfrey

Comfrey thrives in a wide range of climates, including Zones 3-9. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it is drought-resistant and can grow vigorously, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

History and Historical Uses

Comfrey has been used for centuries, both in agriculture and medicine. Originating in Europe and Asia, it was traditionally referred to as "knitbone" due to its use in poultices to aid in bone healing and wound care. In modern gardening, it is prized for its regenerative properties and role in permaculture systems.

Canadian Zone Information

  • Zones 8-9: Plant root stock in early spring or autumn for the best results.
  • Zones 5-7: Plant in spring after the ground thaws or in early autumn to establish before winter.
  • Zones 3-4: Mulch heavily after planting to protect roots from freezing temperatures.

How to Grow and Propagate

  1. Planting: Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root stock, place it in the hole with the crown just below the soil surface, and cover with soil.
  2. Watering: Water well after planting and keep soil consistently moist during the first few weeks.
  3. Maintenance: Once established, comfrey requires minimal care. It will grow vigorously and can be cut back multiple times during the growing season.
  4. Propagation: Divide established roots in early spring or autumn to create new plants.

Seed Saving Tips

This Comfrey is only propagated by root division due to it being sterile. 

  1. Allow Plant to Mature: Let the comfrey plant mature fully. (1-2 years). The plant will begin to go dormant in late fall early winter
  2. Separate Roots: Once the plant is dormant split the plant as seen in the photo so you have individual crowns with rootstock.

Certified Organic by

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)

≈ 2 items | 50g (2.82oz)

Click here for our Refund Policy

$15.00 CAD
Pre-Order Available

Pre-Order Notice!

Items on pre-order will be delayed. The rest of your order will ship as normal.
Fall orders of Comfrey within coastal British Columbia will ship between September 15th and October 20th weather permitting. For the rest of Canada, comfrey orders will be sent starting March 15th 2027 weather permitting.
Growing Information
Common Name Comfrey (Bocking 14) Rootstock
Scientific Name Symphytum Uplandicum
Seed Count 2
Metric Weight 50 g
Imperial Weight 2.82 oz
Height 0.6-0.9m (2-3ft)
Spread 0.6-1.2m (2-4ft)
Canadian Zone Information 2-9
Growing Difficulty Easy
Product Reviews
Have a Question?

*Please add the product name to your question. We cannot see it.

Care Instructions

Comfrey and Horseradish (Taproot Rootstock)
While comfrey is known for being a tenacious perennial plant, early establishment from dormant root cuttings take some care. We recommend planting your comfrey roots into pots or a garden bed where you keep them regularly watered and weeded during this important, 6 to 8 week establishment process.


Storage: If you must store your roots out of the garden, open the bag for ventilation and store in the back of your fridge. Check roots every 2 weeks. If any show signs of mould, rinse them off, gently dry, and return them to the bag ensuring they are fully covered in sawdust. Lightly moisten the sawdust only if you notice it has become dry and the roots are shrivelling.


Planting: Your roots should be planted flat in unfrozen ground 60cm (2ft) apart and covered with 4cm (1in) of soil. Water in well. Roots can be planted in the winter if you live in Coastal British Columbia, cover with additional mulch to prevent the roots from freezing. Comfrey and horseradish will establish deep tap roots that will survive freezing in future years.

Organic Certification

We (a small farm) ship every week, on Wednesday!

Pick up available from our farm stand 542 Wootton Road, Metchosin

100% Canadian Grown in Metchosin, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Processed-By-Hand

Certified Organic

Open Pollinated

Non-GMO

Frequently asked questions

Are products sold at the farm?

No.

We do have a farmstand that is open during the season: March/April through to June/July

Will my order have tracking?

Maybe.

We ship all seed packages using Letter Mail through Canada Post.

However, if you order any Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; we automatically add protected shipping in a prepaid Canada Post box. These have a tracking number.

How much does shipping cost?

Save $20 when you spend $200

All our shipping fees include a handling fee

$7 Small Envelope 

Orders 0g–7gup to 3 seed packages

$8 Medium Envelope

Orders 8g–15gup to 7 seed packages or ~ 1 Forager Pet Mix

$9 Large Envelope

Orders 16g–21gup to 10 seed packages and/or~ 1-2 Forager Pet Mix and/or rootstock/cutting

$13 Tiny Parcel

Orders 22g–44gup to 22 seed packages and/or~ 1-2 Forager Pet Mix and/or rootstock/cutting

$16 Extra Small Parcel

Orders 45g–135gSeed packages and/or~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting

If you spend $200 this actually becomes free shipping with a $4 discount.

$19 Small Parcel

Orders 136g–500gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes free shipping with a $1 discount.

$22 Medium Parcel

Orders 501g–1400gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1-3 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $2.

$25 Large parcel

Orders 1401g–2500gSeed packages and/or ~ 1-5 Forager Pet Mix/spray and/or rootstock/cutting and/or 1-5 Tuber or JA

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $5.

$30 Extra Large Parcel

Orders 2501g and up

Anything your heart desires.

If you spend $200 this actually becomes $10.

What is your Customer Satisfaction policy?

Mistakes happen and can be fixed. So missing items, wrong items, or even damaged items can be replaced.

We will always work with you to find an appropriate solution.

Thank you for supporting a small team of Canadian seed farmers!

How long does shipping take?

Letter Mail can take up to 5-6 weeks.

Parcels can take up to 1-2 weeks.

We ship Wednesdays which can also lead to delays.

Are all your products 100% Canadian?

Yes. All our non GMO products are grown in Metchosin BC on 3 acres of Certified Organic land!

What is your refund policy?

We are a resolution first small business. That means we would love for you to be happy with our products.

However, if you received a product damaged out of the box, send us a photo within 3 days of the delivery date, and we will provide a replacement or a refund. Please click the link below to read more details about our policy.

You May Also Like