Winter Dormancy in Comfrey: How to Prepare Your Soil for Strong Spring Growth

As winter arrives and the garden slows down, comfrey enters a natural and important phase of its growth cycle: winter dormancy. While the plant may appear lifeless above ground, a great deal is happening below the surface. Understanding this process — and taking the right steps over winter — will help ensure strong, healthy comfrey growth in spring.

What Is Winter Dormancy in Comfrey?

Comfrey is a hardy perennial that copes well with cold weather. As daylight hours shorten and temperatures drop, the plant’s leafy growth naturally dies back to ground level. This is completely normal.

During dormancy, comfrey redirects its energy into its deep root system. These roots store nutrients over winter, allowing the plant to return quickly and vigorously once warmer weather arrives. Even after hard frosts, the roots remain alive and protected beneath the soil.

Should Comfrey Be Cut Back in Winter?

Once the leaves have died back naturally, you can tidy the plant:

• Cut back dead or collapsing stems
• Remove any rotting foliage from the crown
• Compost healthy leaf material

This helps reduce pests and disease and keeps the plant area clean for spring regrowth.

Avoid cutting green growth too early — allowing the plant to die back naturally helps it store as much energy as possible in the roots

Improving the Soil Over Winter

Winter is one of the best times to prepare soil for comfrey, especially if you want large, productive plants next season.

Add Organic Matter

Comfrey thrives in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Over winter, add a generous layer of:

• Well-rotted manure
• Garden compost
• Leaf mould

Apply this as a mulch around the plant or across the bed. Earthworms and soil organisms will gradually pull nutrients down into the soil, improving structure and fertility without disturbing the roots.

Protect the Soil with Mulch

A winter mulch helps to:

• Protect soil structure from heavy rain
• Prevent nutrient loss
• Moderate soil temperature
• Retain moisture for early spring growth

There’s no need to dig deeply around established comfrey plants — their roots run very deep, and surface mulching is usually enough.

Drainage and Soil Structure

If your soil is heavy or prone to waterlogging, winter is a good time to improve drainage:

• Add compost or well-rotted organic matter to open up the soil
• Avoid walking on beds during wet conditions to prevent compaction

Healthy soil structure allows comfrey roots to penetrate deeply and access nutrients more efficiently.

Planning Ahead for Spring

While comfrey is dormant, winter is an ideal time to plan:

• Mark out areas for new comfrey plants
• Prepare new beds so they are ready for planting in spring
• Consider where harvested leaves will be used — compost, mulch, liquid feed, or wildlife areas

By preparing in advance, you reduce work during the busy growing season.

When Will Comfrey Start Growing Again?

As temperatures rise in early spring, new shoots will emerge from the crown. At this stage:

• Leave mulch in place unless soil is very wet
• Avoid harvesting until plants are well established
• Allow the first flush of growth to strengthen the plant

Comfrey that has been well cared for over winter will reward you with fast, vigorous growth and abundant leaves throughout the growing season.