Its value and benefits as a medicinal plant have been known since ancient times. Nowadays, however, comfrey is better known as a bee-friendly ornamental plant or even a weed. But it has strengths up its sleeve that make it ideal for mixed crops.
For which plants is comfrey beneficial as a mixed culture?
Comfrey develops in mixed culture with plants that aresusceptibletofungal diseasesandpests, its beneficial effect. It repels potential pathogens and keeps pests away. In addition, comfrey can promote the growth ofwater-rich fruit vegetables such as cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkin.
What effect does comfrey have in a mixed culture?
It has already been proven that Symphytum with the substances it contains supports thegrowthof other plants in the immediate vicinityComfrey also has an effecthe alth-preserving It contains, among other things, rosmarinic acid, which is effective as a defense against bacteria, fungi and even partly against pests. This means that comfrey is not only healing for sick people with broken bones, bruises and sprains, but its effects are also efficient at the plant level.
Which plants does comfrey go well with in mixed culture?
This rough-leaf plant goes perfectly withvegetables such as cucumbers, pumpkin, zucchini, melons, tomatoes and eggplants. For mixed cultivation, it should either be planted directly as an underplant or between individual vegetable plants. It is important to make sure that the plants with which the comfrey is mixed have similar location requirements. The Comfrey prefers loamy, humus-rich and rather moist soils.
Can comfrey be safely planted in mixed cultures?
The comfrey shouldnot be planted in mixed culture without hesitation. Once established, it is difficult to remove later. Therefore, planting should ideally be planned for the long term. Also make sure to plant the comfrey at a distance of around 1 m from surrounding plants in the mixed culture, otherwise its roots could have a displacing effect.
How does comfrey have a beneficial effect on the soil?
Comfrey, also known as comfrey, is considered asoil improversimilar to lupins and clover, because when planted in a suitable location, comfrey makes the soilfertile How it works? Comfrey has the ability to release potassium, iron and silicon into the soil.
Does comfrey itself also benefit from mixed culture?
Symphytum itselfbenefitsfrom a mixed culture insofar as it is associated with plants that grow on anitrogen-richsubstrate. Comfrey loves nitrogen and mulch material over its root area is also ideal to gradually supply it with this nutrient. Additionally, comfrey benefits from intercropping because the other plants canshade it. It prefers to be in a partially shaded location.
Which types of comfrey are well suited for mixed cultivation?
all typesof comfrey are suitable for mixed culture. Particularly popular are the smallCaucasus comfrey(Symphytum grandiflorum) and theTrue comfrey (Symphytum officinale).
Tip
Side effect: attractant for bees
Another advantage of a mixed culture with comfrey is that its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies. The insects are therefore even more aware of the surrounding plants and the pollination rate is increased.