Detailed Guide to Russian Comfrey Cultivation Techniques

Russian comfrey is not choosy about soil and can be grown on idle land. Deep plow the planting plot to more than 20 cm and apply sufficient base fertilizer, then cut the young buds on the root pieces lengthwise, plant one plant per root, with a plant-to-row spacing of 40 cm×50 cm. After each cutting, apply a topdressing once, and in the dry season, irrigate and cultivate once accordingly in combination with fertilization.

1. Site selection

Russian comfrey can safely overwinter in low-temperature regions at minus 40°C and can also grow normally in high-temperature regions at 40°C, so it can be planted from south to north in China. Moreover, it is not choosy about soil, and can be planted whether on farmland, barren hills, or on idle land at field edges, corners, beside pits, by rivers, and in front of and behind houses.

2. Land preparation

Deep plow the planting plot to more than 20 cm and apply sufficient base fertilizer. Base fertilizer includes various farmyard manures, stable manure and garbage compost, with pig and cattle manure having the best effect. When applying fertilizer, spread it evenly on the ground, then plow it into the soil so that the fertilizer and soil are fully mixed.

3. Planting

Cut the young buds on the root pieces lengthwise, plant one plant per root, and a planting density of 40 cm×50 cm plant-to-row spacing is suitable. New leaves can grow one week after planting.

4. Management

Russian comfrey can be cut 5 to 6 times per year, and in the year of planting it can be cut 1 to 2 times. After each cutting, apply a topdressing once, mixing compound fertilizer with urea and spreading it evenly among the plants. In the dry season, irrigate once accordingly in combination with harvesting and fertilization, and when there is too much rain, drain promptly. After each cutting, cultivate once to loosen the soil.