plant

Comfrey

Symphytum

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Comfrey (Symphytum) — a plant, for Part sun, Medium water. Companions: Tomato, Common Pear.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate to high

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomasshigh
Shademoderate

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence in early spring after the last frost and when soil temperatures consistently reach 5°C.
floweringFlowering typically begins about 60 days after emergence and can last for up to 3 months.
senescenceFoliage dies back with the first autumn frost.
dormancyEnters dormancy after the first autumn frost, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagemoist but well-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalNo
Accumulatespotassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper
Soil textureloam, clay
Organic matterHigh
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsdivision, seed
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~1 yr
Stratificationnot required
Self-seedingLight
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, hoverflies
Can host diseasescomfrey rust