How to Grow Comfrey in New Zealand
A dynamic accumulator whose deep roots mine minerals from the subsoil. Chop and drop the leaves as a fertiliser mulch, or steep them in water for a rich liquid feed. The sterile Bocking 14 cultivar won't self-seed and take over.
When to plant comfrey in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December |
Best comfrey varieties for NZ
- Bocking 14 — Sterile Russian comfrey that won't seed and spread. The go-to cultivar for chop-and-drop mulch and liquid feed. (MeadowSweet Herbs, Twin Falls Nursery, KoruKai Herb Farm)
How to grow comfrey
- Space plants about 60cm apart.
- Sow seed around 5cm deep.
- Position: part shade.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 14 days.
Companion planting
Grow comfrey near: Tomato, Potato, Fruit trees, All plants (chop-and-drop mulch).
Pests and problems
Watch for: few pests. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant comfrey in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy comfrey seeds or plants in NZ?
Try MeadowSweet Herbs, Twin Falls Nursery, KoruKai Herb Farm.