The Gardener’s Goldmine: Grow 50+ Comfrey Plants from One Plant for FREE!

Comfrey: The Homestead’s Secret Weapon (And How to Get More of It for Free)

If there’s one plant that should have a VIP spot in every homesteader’s garden, it’s comfrey. This hardy, fast-growing perennial is like nature’s Swiss Army knife—useful in the garden, great for livestock, and packed with medicinal benefits. Plus, the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to propagate.

So, if you’ve got a comfrey plant (or are thinking about getting one), let’s talk about how to make more of it for free, why you’ll want to, and why this plant has been a homesteading staple for centuries.

What’s So Great About Comfrey, Anyway?

For starters, comfrey is a powerhouse when it comes to enriching the soil. Its deep roots draw up nutrients from way below the surface, which is why comfrey leaves make one of the best natural fertilizers out there. Chop them up and toss them in your compost pile, or make a potent “comfrey tea” (more on that later) to supercharge your plants.

But comfrey isn’t just for the garden—it’s got a long history of medicinal use, too. Traditional herbalists have used it for centuries to help with everything from wound healing to bone fractures (hence the old nickname “knitbone”). Modern herbalists still turn to comfrey salves and poultices for bruises, sprains, and inflammation.

And if you’ve got livestock, they’ll love comfrey, too. It’s a nutritious feed for chickens, goats, and even rabbits, giving them a boost of vitamins and minerals.

Dividing Comfrey to Make More Plants

The easiest way to expand your comfrey patch is by dividing the roots or crowns. This works best in early spring or fall when the plant is less stressed. If you are going to divide during the growing season make sure to give it a haircut first. Cut the plant down to about 1” to not put too much stress on the plant. Here’s how you do it:

Dig It Up: Use a shovel to carefully dig around the base of your comfrey plant. The roots go deep, so be patient and try to get a nice chunk of the root system. You will inevitably break the roots which is a good thing (unless you don’t want it to grow back) Broken roots = more plants

Divide the Roots: Once you’ve got a good section, you can simply break it apart by hand or use a sharp knife. Each piece should be about 2-3 inches long—just enough to have some good root mass. Crowns are also a great way to grow your comfrey and takes a little less time.

This is the root

Roots on the left and crowns on the right

This is a few crowns together

Replant: Stick those root pieces directly into the soil about 2-4 inches deep ( They do not need great soil, in fact they do better in lower quality soil. If you’re potting them up first, use original soil if possible and keep them moist until you see new growth.

Water Well: Give them a good drink, and before you know it, you’ll have brand-new comfrey plants popping up all over.

This is my comfrey propogation bed. Yes we want that much comfrey on the property!

Why have a propogation bed?

We have one for the 2 reasons. The first is to be able to have some to sell. The second is to be able to plant them in other places on the property without having to disturb all of the plants around an existing comfrey plant.

If you’re dealing with Bocking 14 comfrey (a sterile variety commonly used for permaculture that can only be propagated by roots or crowns), you don’t have to worry about it spreading by seed. But if you’ve got a standard comfrey variety, IT WILL SPREAD over an area if left to its own devices.

Comfrey in the Garden: Your Plants Will Thank You

If you’re serious about organic gardening, comfrey is about to become your new best friend. Here are a few ways to put it to work: It does spread by roots, but can easily be kept under control in your garden.

1. Comfrey Tea for Plants

This isn’t the kind of tea you’ll want to drink (trust me, it smells awful), but your plants will go nuts for it.

• Stuff a bucket full of chopped comfrey leaves.

• Fill the bucket with water and let it sit for about 2-4 weeks, stirring occasionally.

• Strain the liquid and dilute it (about 1:10 with water) before using it as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden.

2. Chop-and-Drop Mulch

Cut the leaves and lay them right onto your garden beds. They break down quickly, feeding your plants and improving soil health. The leaves also work great as an activator in your compost pile helping it to break down faster.

3. Comfrey as a Companion Plant

Plant comfrey near fruit trees, tomatoes, or potatoes. Its deep roots bring up potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen—making nearby plants healthier and more productive.

Final Thoughts: Why Every Homesteader Needs Comfrey

If you’re serious about self-sufficiency, comfrey is a must-have. It’s a natural fertilizer, a fantastic soil builder, and a healing herb (by the way we have a great Arnica & Comfrey salve), livestock feed, and an all-around workhorse plant. Plus, since it’s so easy to propagate, you can have a thriving patch of comfrey in no time—without spending a dime.

So go ahead, dig up that comfrey, divide those roots, and spread the love around your homestead. Your garden, your animals, and even your medicine cabinet will thank you.

Disclaimer: The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or condition. Individual results may vary and BEFORE using any Supplements it is advisable to consult with your own Health Care Provider.