Russian Comfrey and Bocking 14 are not exactly the same. Russian Comfrey is a common name used to refer to various cultivars of Symphytum x uplandicum, a sterile hybrid of comfrey. Bocking 14, on the other hand, specifically refers to a specific cultivar of Russian Comfrey developed by Lawrence D. Hills in Bocking, England.
The Bocking 14 cultivar is known for its high levels of allantoin, a substance that promotes cell growth and healing. It is also a non-seeding variety, which means it does not produce seeds, making it less invasive compared to other comfrey varieties. This is particularly beneficial for gardeners who want to control the spread of the plant.
I personally have experience using Bocking 14 in my garden, and I have found it to be a valuable companion plant for fruit trees. Its deep taproot helps to bring up nutrients from deep within the soil, making these nutrients more accessible to the fruit trees. Additionally, the large leaves of comfrey can be cut and used as mulch around the base of the fruit trees, providing a natural source of organic matter and helping to suppress weeds.
Comfrey is also a dynamic accumulator, meaning it absorbs and stores nutrients from the soil in its leaves. When these leaves are cut and used as mulch or compost, the nutrients are released back into the soil, benefiting the surrounding plants. This nutrient cycling aspect of comfrey makes it a valuable addition to any permaculture garden.
Furthermore, comfrey can also be used to make a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer called comfrey tea. This involves soaking comfrey leaves in water for several weeks, allowing the nutrients to leach into the liquid. The resulting comfrey tea can then be diluted and used to fertilize plants, providing a natural and organic source of nutrients.
While Russian Comfrey is a broad term that encompasses various comfrey cultivars, Bocking 14 is a specific cultivar that is non-seeding and high in allantoin. Bocking 14 is commonly used in permaculture as a companion plant to fruit trees, thanks to its deep taproot, large leaves for mulching, and nutrient-accumulating properties. Whether using comfrey as a mulch, making comfrey tea, or simply enjoying the beauty of the plant, it can be a valuable addition to any garden.
