Bocking 14 Comfrey - 12 Root Cuttings to Grow | by Marsh Creek Farmstead

We had a long delay in delivery thanks to typical USPS sideways delivery, but the roots were in good condition when they finally arrived. We planted each piece in a small pot, watered, and set them out in the yard. (Past freeze threats) They sprouted within 7-10 days, & were vigorous in growth. 3-4 weeks later we planted them, all are doing great. All cuttings sprouted.

I actually received 14 cuttings, but some of them were so short and skinny, I didn’t think they’d come to anything. I planted them when I received them (eight months ago, in August), according to the instructions. Most of them emerged 40-50 days later. Now, in early May, I have 13 legitimate comfrey plants in my garden! I’m excited to see how they develop in this next year as they get more fully established.

14 of 15 have germinated and are growing very well. Took a bit and was thinking something might have been wrong and all of a sudden the pots just started growing. My image is from my first one that germinated and it about 3 months old at best. Product was packaged well and instructions were simple and correct. Cannot wait to start making Comfrey tea for my plants.

It appeared that I got fewer than 12 but I suspect one or two may have been so small they just disappeared. I planted the ones I got (about 10) in a couple of pots to get them started as I had to prepare the area where I ultimately wanted them to go in. I got 7 decent plants by the time the weather was friendly enough for me to dig things up and prep a new bed. I believe the instructions said to plant directly in the ground and that it could take a long time for some to sprout but when I moved mine out of the pots, the ones that didn't sprout had rotted. I got a good amount anyway for where I wanted to plant them. Fingers crossed that they make it through this winter because it has been brutal. I am looking forward to using this plant to make fertilizer for my gardens.

14 cuttings came in a zip lock bag with large wood shaving. The sizes ranged from a small pencil to a fat kindergarten pencil. All were about 1.5 to 2" long. Which appears to be the norm for buying root cuttings. I was happy to see that none were split or shaved. None of the cuttings had active roots but they all appeared to have a light fragrant oil on them(not sure if added or natural) , were firm to the touch, and healthy. As per the directions, I kept them in the fridge for 2 days before potting all 14 cuttings. Upon removing the cuttings for potting, the shavings were slightly saturated with oil\moisture and the cuttings appeared as healthy as when they arrived. I will update as they sprout.

I am extremely disappointed. I usually have great results by following recommendations from previous buyers but that did not work in this case. Yes, I did receive 12 pieces, half of them were hard as a rock, not even an inch long and a 1/4 " thick with no signs of viability. I did not scrap the micro root stock to hopefully increase the remote chance of them springing to life. I just put them in the prepared bed. Marsh Creek Farmstead is cutting corners and sending out junk.

I do not baby plants. I can’t afford to add lots of good amendments to my clay soil. I forget to water sometimes. If plants aren’t somewhat resilient, they tend not to grow on my property. That said, I received these roots a week or so after they were expected to be delivered, with an extra thrown in for free. They were packaged well and still damp. I planted them in 13 random spots on my property and promptly forgot where I put most of them. It’s now been a month or so and I have found two of them are growing into lovely little plants. I expect I will find more plants as time passes, especially into the spring. If these roots can thrive in my half-neglected desert yard, I imagine they will root perfectly if you start them in loamy soil, either in the ground or in pots. Happy gardening, my friends!

So I ordered this in February put the box on my desk and then promptly forgot about it until three days ago when I came across it sitting on my desk. I opened the package. Everything was well packaged on the inside, and found my cuttings trying to grow roots. I stuck all the cuttings in whatever soil I had available, which I believe, was for succulents, and stuck them in my windowsill because I was leaving to go out of town. Every single plant has started to grow. I cannot believe it! I would not hesitate to order again.