Richters ProGrowers Info
Richters ProGrowers Info |
Comfrey
(Symphytum officinale, S. x uplandicum) |
Market
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Products: (leaf, root); (root, herb);
Market size: 1,700 hectares (world), 240 ha (North America)
Prospects: prices up, volume up
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Culture |
Seed density: 90-100 seeds/gram
Exposure: full or part sun
Soil: moist, wet or dry
Crop duration: 2-5 years
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Sowing rate: 600-900g/ha (indirect).
Planting: although seed can be sown direct, the high cost of seed dictates indirect sowing in plugs or seedbed and transplanting to field. Root cuttings (12,000/ha) of named cultivars (e.g. Bocking No. 14) recommended over seed.
Field spacing: 90cm between rows x 90cm within rows.
Yield: dry leaf 12t/ha (years 2-5), dry root 1,800kg/ha (year 3, 4 or 5).
Pests: few problems
Diseases: comfrey rust.
Buyers want: low pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, particularly echimidine; leaf should be cut early to avoid alkaloid buildup.
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Sowing rate: 50-70g/1000plants.
Planting: sow S. officinale in plugs or seedflats 12-14 weeks before sale. S. x uplandicum and ornamental varieties are propagated by division or root cutting.
Seeds to saleable plants: 12 weeks.
Pests: whitefly, aphid
Diseases: comfrey rust.
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Dried Production
 
Fresh Production
Oil Production
Potted Plant Production
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