Symphytum officinale

Germination

Sow indoors in autumn or directly in spring. Indoors fill 10cm pots with moist well-drained seed compost, sow seeds 6mm deep, allow 2 per pot. Ideal temp. 20°C. If germination has not occurred in 3-4 weeks cold stratify. Move to -4°C-+4°C. for 2-4 weeks then return to warmth. Water as required. Plant out in spring. Direct sow thinly 10mm deep in rows 30cm apart. When large enough to handle thin to 60cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers a fertile, moist soil in full or partial shade. Vigorous, choose planting site with care as this will over-power smaller plants.

Cultivation

Cut back after flowering to encourage neat, young foliage. To harvest cut foliage back to 15cm above ground, can be harvested 3-4 times throughout the summer. Use gloves when harvesting.