Symphytum × uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’ (Comfrey)

Common Name: Comfrey ‘Bocking 14’, Russian Comfrey, Knitbone

Scientific Name: Symphytum × uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’

Plant Family: Boraginaceae

Lifecycle: Perennial

Comfrey ‘Bocking 14’ is a cornerstone plant in regenerative systems — a deep-rooted dynamic accumulator that mines nutrients from subsoil and returns them to the surface through its lush foliage. Growing comfrey in Zone 8a offers an almost self-sustaining nutrient loop, while its pink-to-lilac blooms draw pollinators into the garden long before many other plants awaken.

For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.

Plant Profile

Characteristic	Information
Climate Suitability	USDA Zones 4–9; Köppen Csa (Mediterranean hot-summer)
Sun / Shade Needs	Full sun to partial shade
Watering Needs	Moderate; thrives on deep, infrequent watering once established
Soil Preferences	Loamy to clay-rich, well-draining, high organic matter; pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing & Height	60–90 cm (24–36 in) apart; 1 m (3 ft) tall when mature
Propagation Method(s)	Root cuttings (division); sterile variety (no seed spread)
Planting Timeline	Early spring or autumn while soil is moist
Companion Plants	Fruit trees, tomatoes, currants, brassicas, asparagus
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses	Dynamic accumulator, compost activator, mulching material, pollinator attractor, medicinal salves
Pest / Disease Considerations	Rarely affected; slugs may nibble young leaves
Pruning / Harvest Notes	Cut leaves 3–5 times per year; harvest before flowering for compost or mulch

Quick Plant Reference

• Care Level: Easy

• Optimal Sunlight: Full sun or light shade

• Water Needs: Moderate (deep watering during dry spells)

• Mature Size: 1 m (3.3 ft) tall × 0.9 m (3 ft) spread

• Soil Type: Fertile, well-draining loam or clay-rich soil

• Humidity: Medium

• Toxicity: Leaves for external or compost use only; not for internal consumption due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids

• Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, hoverflies, bumblebees

• Health Benefits: Topical salves support skin healing and inflammation reduction

• Chilling Hours: Not required

• Pollination Requirements: Sterile hybrid; spreads only by division

Our Symphytum × uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’ Application @ Tough Kraut

We first planted comfrey during our first year in Portugal, purchasing root bulbs from a private seller. After a short soak in water, we tucked them along the edges of garden beds — spots that catch overflow water and runoff. Most bulbs sprouted and have returned each spring without fail. Their broad leaves now double as living mulch and raw material for compost tea, while also shading out grasses and feeding the pollinators that buzz between our orchard and veggie beds.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Note: Comfrey ‘Bocking 14’ rarely needs pampering. Once established, it’s nearly indestructible — but its vigor means you’ll want to choose planting spots carefully.

1. Choose the Right Site

Select a semi-permanent spot; this comfrey doesn’t like being moved once rooted. Place it near fruit trees or compost areas where its leaves can easily be harvested for mulch.

2. Prepare the Soil

Loosen soil deeply to at least 30 cm (12 in). Mix in compost or well-rotted manure — comfrey appreciates rich, moist starts before its roots take over.

3. Plant the Root Cuttings

Soak root pieces for a few hours before planting. Bury them horizontally 5–8 cm (2–3 in) deep, spacing each clump about 60–90 cm apart.

4. Water Consistently

Water regularly until plants are established. Afterward, their deep taproots will find moisture even in dry Mediterranean summers.

5. Ensure Proper Pollination

‘Bocking 14’ is a sterile cultivar — it won’t self-seed or spread by pollen. This makes it safe for controlled permaculture designs.

6. Prune Annually (or Often!)

Cut back the leaves 3–5 times a year. This triggers regrowth and gives you nutrient-rich mulch or compost inputs.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Occasionally, slugs nibble new shoots. Mulch with coarse straw to discourage them. Avoid planting too close to shallow-rooted crops.

8. Harvest and Store

Cut leaves just before flowering for maximum nutrient content. They can be used fresh, dried, or soaked in water for liquid fertilizer.

9. Note

Troubleshooting tip: if your comfrey yellows or wilts, it’s often due to poor drainage, compacted soil, or severe drought stress — not nutrient deficiency.

Kraut Crew Insight

Our Symphytum × uplandicum ‘Bocking 14’ line has become one of our most reliable homestead helpers. Whether it’s fueling compost teas, mulching citrus trees, or keeping weeds down along bed edges, this plant earns its keep every season. It’s proof that a humble herb can quietly run half the nutrient cycle on its own.

Photos

May 04, 2023

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

July 19, 2025

Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Comfrey ‘Bocking 14’ Cultivation Challenges

Troubleshooting comfrey is rare — but for the curious, here’s our FAQ from real homestead experience.

Comfrey earns its “tough” badge quickly, yet it can still spark questions when it comes to harvesting or containment. Below are the lessons we’ve learned from our Zone 8a beds.

Q: My comfrey spreads too fast. How do I control it?

A: ‘Bocking 14’ won’t spread by seed, but root fragments can regrow. To contain it, install edging or harvest frequently to weaken runners.

Q: What’s the best way to make compost tea?

A: Fill a bucket halfway with chopped leaves, cover with water, and let it steep for 2–3 weeks. The liquid will darken and smell potent — dilute 1:10 before watering plants.

Q: Can I grow comfrey under fruit trees?

A: Absolutely. It’s a guild superstar — shading soil, feeding pollinators, and returning nutrients through leaf fall.

Q: Why are leaves drooping in midsummer?

A: Heat stress or drought. Water deeply once a week and cut back to trigger new growth.

Q: Is comfrey safe for medicinal use?

A: Topically yes, internally no. The plant contains compounds toxic to the liver if ingested in quantity. Stick to salves and compost applications.

Recommended Books & Resources

Books

• Comfrey: Fodder, Food & Remedy by Lawrence D. Hills

  The classic monograph that made comfrey famous in regenerative circles; great historical trials on strains and uses. Copies can be scarce, but when available it’s the most comfrey-focused read you’ll find.

• The Regenerative Grower’s Guide to Garden Amendments by Nigel Palmer

  Step-by-step recipes for mineral/dynamic-accumulator extracts and ferments; perfect for dialing in comfrey teas and foliar feeds with measurable effect.

• Compost Teas for the Organic Grower by Eric Fisher

  Clear, practical guidance on both aerobic and anaerobic brews, troubleshooting, and application rates — ideal for anyone turning comfrey leaves into liquid fertilizer.

• Creating a Forest Garden by Martin Crawford

  Forest-garden design bible with comfrey positioned as a guild workhorse for nutrient cycling under fruit trees; great for long-term orchard integration.

Resources

• 400-Micron Reusable Compost Tea Brew Bag (5-gallon)

  Purpose-built mesh bag that keeps comfrey particles out of pumps and watering cans; makes brewing and cleanup drastically easier than DIY strainer hacks.

• HDPE Root/Rhizome Barrier, 24 in x 60 mil (roll)

  Marketed for bamboo, but fantastic as a discreet in-ground “collar” to contain comfrey’s regrowth from fragments around bed edges and orchard guilds. Install as a ring or linear strip.

• Solar Pond Aerator Kit (with battery & air stones)

  A small solar air pump that aerates comfrey teas off-grid, reducing odor and supporting beneficial microbes during brewing. Great for bucket brews near beds.

• Tough Kraut Resources

  Our growing library of tools, books, and permaculture essentials tested on our land to help you build resilience from soil to harvest.

Entry last updated: 2025-10-10

This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.