It's spring and time to cut back some plants in the garden after winter. Does this also apply to comfrey or should it have been cut back in the fall? Find out everything you need to know about cutting this tried and tested medicinal plant below.
How to cut comfrey correctly?
Comfrey should be cut back to 10 cmabove the ground in autumn. Additionally, the perennial can be cut back in the summer after flowering to prevent it from self-seeding and causing it to flower a second time.
Why should the flowers of the comfrey be cut off?
Removing wilted flowerspreventstheself-seeding of comfrey. Since the wallwort is one of the robust plants and, once established, is difficult to remove, it is recommended to avoid uncontrolled self-sowing. To do this, simply cut off the recently wilted flowers below the next pair of leaves or the entire plant just above the ground. A wonderful side effect: In many cases, the comfrey then forms new flowers.
When should comfrey be cut?
Comfrey, as comfrey is also called, should be cut back inlate autumn. It is also possible to cut it directly after flowering. If you want to remove plant parts to use them to make ointments or use fresh shoots for salads, you can do so at any time. Some people also cut the comfrey if it appears to be falling apart or the growth width becomes excessive.
What happens if comfrey is not cut?
If pruning is missing, this rough-leaf plant tends toseed itself uncontrollably. Furthermore, the plant loses structure, falls apart visually and uses a lot of energy to form its seeds.
Does pruning comfrey make sense in case of illness?
If the comfrey is diseased, it is recommended toPruning It is often prone to mildew or rust. If the diseased parts of the plant are removed, the comfrey will sprout again. However, make sure that the diseased plant parts are not disposed of in the compost, but in the household waste.
What can the comfrey cuttings be used for?
You can use the cuttings from Symphytum forMulchingor forManure. Comfrey often develops a rich mass of leaves. You can cut off the leaves and use them to make manure. This manure is ideal as a fertilizer for tomatoes, for example. Clippings can also be used forconsumption. However, you should only harvest the young leaves of the comfrey and keep the quantity very small.
Tip
Cut the roots of the comfrey
If you want to propagate comfrey, you can dig up the roots in spring and cut off individual parts of them. The root pieces are planted in another place and sprouted.
