Image 1 of 23
Image 2 of 23
Image 3 of 23
Image 4 of 23
Image 5 of 23
Image 6 of 23
Image 7 of 23
Image 8 of 23
Image 9 of 23
Image 10 of 23
Image 11 of 23
Image 12 of 23
Image 13 of 23
Image 14 of 23
Image 15 of 23
Image 16 of 23
Image 17 of 23
Image 18 of 23
Image 19 of 23
Image 20 of 23
Image 21 of 23
Image 22 of 23
Image 23 of 23
Comfrey Bocking 14 Root Cuttings — Russian Comfrey, Hardy Perennial Herb
Grow your own soil conditioner with Comfrey 'Bocking 14' (Symphytum x uplandicum), one of the most valued plants in organic growing. Known to gardeners and smallholders as "the gardener's best friend," this Russian Comfrey cultivar builds soil fertility naturally, feeds hungry crops, and asks for very little in return.
Because Bocking 14 is a sterile hybrid, it won't set seed or spread uncontrollably around your garden — unlike wild comfrey. That makes it a safe, manageable choice for anyone growing on an allotment, in a kitchen garden, or alongside a woodland border.
Why Gardeners Grow Comfrey Bocking 14
Comfrey's deep taproots draw up nutrients — particularly potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus — that most other plants can't reach. Once established, the leafy growth can be cut back three or four times across the growing season, giving you a renewable, free source of:
Liquid comfrey feed — steep the leaves in a water butt for 3–5 weeks to make a nutrient-rich tonic for tomatoes, beans and other hungry crops
Compost activator — chopped leaves speed up decomposition in the compost heap
Mulch — lay cut leaves directly around plants to feed the soil as they break down
Plant Details
Botanical nameSymphytum x uplandicum 'Bocking 14'Common nameRussian ComfreyTypeHardy herbaceous perennialHabitSterile hybrid — will not self-seedHeightUp to 100cm (40")SpreadUp to 75cm (30")PositionFull sun or semi-shadeFlowering periodMay–AugustBest forKitchen gardens, low-maintenance beds, woodland gardens
Planting & Care
Comfrey Bocking 14 is supplied as root cuttings and establishes easily in most soil types. Plant in a spot where it can stay undisturbed — comfrey resents being moved once settled, and disturbing the roots can encourage it to spread, so choose its permanent home with care. Water well while young; once established, it's remarkably low-maintenance and largely drought-tolerant.
Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey Hardy Perennial Grow your own soil conditioner!
Comfrey 'Bocking 14' contains high levels of basic NPK nutrients and because it is a sterile hybrid, it won't self seed all over your garden.
The nutrient rich foliage of comfrey can be used as a compost activator, mulch, or soaked in barrels of water for 3 to 5 weeks to make a useful liquid feed for tomatoes and beans. this quick growing plant can be cut 3 or 4 times throughout the growing season, for a constant supply of nutrient rich, organic, comfrey fertiliser.
Height: 100cm (40"). Spread: 75cm (30")
kitchen garden, low maintenance garden, woodland garden
Flowering Period: May, June, July, August Position: sun or semi shade
Track - In the Garden by Retrosheep Download Mp3 Track