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Symphytum x uplandicum 'Bocking 14'
Bocking 14 is a sterile cultivar of Russian comfrey — it produces no viable seed, so it stays where you plant it. Each cutting will grow into a full plant and can be divided to produce more within a year or two.
We grow our comfrey in southeast Kansas and dig cuttings fresh for each order. These plants are adapted to real Midwest conditions — heat, wind, and inconsistent rainfall — not greenhouse production.
Cuttings ship as ~1" root sections, ready to plant on arrival. This is the standard propagation method for Bocking 14 and produces vigorous plants when planted correctly.
What it’s used for
Comfrey is best understood as a permanent fertility plant, not a one-time crop.
Once established, it can be cut multiple times per season and used to:
- Build soil with chop-and-drop mulch
- Accelerate compost
- Produce liquid fertilizer (comfrey tea)
- Supplement chicken feed (20–30% protein by dry weight)
- Support pollinators with reliable late-spring blooms
We primarily use it along orchard rows, where repeated cuttings feed the soil year after year — often alongside rabbit manure as part of a long-term fertility cycle.
Site: Full sun to partial shade. Adapts to most soil types. Prefers consistent moisture, especially in the first season.
Hardiness: Zones 3–9
Important: Comfrey is persistent once established. Small root fragments left in the soil will produce new plants the following year. Plant it where you want it long-term.
Comfrey Bocking 14 Root Cuttings
How long does it take to see growth?
Root cuttings typically take 2–4 weeks to show growth above ground. In cool soil, it can take longer. The root establishes first, then pushes shoots.Are 1" root cuttings large enough to grow?
Yes. ~1" root sections are the standard propagation size for Bocking 14. When planted at the correct depth and kept moist, they establish reliably.How deep should I plant the cuttings?
Plant root cuttings horizontally, 2–3 inches deep.
Shallower planting increases the risk of drying out, especially in warm or sandy soil.Can I plant them in containers?
You can, but it’s not ideal long-term. Comfrey develops a deep taproot and performs best in the ground, where it can access moisture and minerals.Will comfrey spread uncontrollably?
Bocking 14 does not spread by seed, but it will regrow from root fragments. It stays where you plant it, but is difficult to fully remove once established.When is the best time to plant?
Spring is ideal. Fall planting also works in most climates if cuttings are planted 4–6 weeks before hard frost.How far apart should I space plants?
Space plants 2–3 feet apart. They will expand over time into large, productive clumps.When can I start harvesting leaves?
Do not harvest in the first year. Let the plant establish.
In year two, you can cut leaves multiple times per season, leaving about 2 inches of growth above the crown.What if my cuttings don’t sprout?
Some failure is normal. Expect around 10–20% not to take under average conditions. The most common causes are shallow planting and dry soil.How should I store cuttings before planting?
If you can’t plant immediately, store them in a cool, slightly damp environment (refrigerator is fine) for up to 1–2 weeks. Do not let them dry out or freeze.Can I propagate more plants later?
Yes. After a year or two, you can divide the plant or take new root cuttings. A single plant can produce many new cuttings over time.Is comfrey safe for animals?
It can be used as a supplemental feed for chickens and other livestock, but should not be the sole feed source. Use in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
