Contacts of people/organizations that are ready to ship Comfrey bocking 4 internationally

People all over the world are getting interested in the use of Comfrey bocking 4 and 14 particularly as animal feed and fertilizer, but they are having problems sourcing them as most sources can only ship to only the US and Canada. If you know of people/organizations that are willing to supply to every where in the world, please give out the contacts as many will appreciate it. Thanks

I can ship root cuttings to certain countries, but it has to be early spring. I have both bocking 4 and 14. PM me early next year.

Steve

what is so unique and desirable about the bocking 4 cultivar?
what is the difference between the bocking 4 and bocking 14 cultivars?
I am curious to learn more about comfrey used for livestock and land rehabilitation purposes. I grow True Comfrey, Symphytum officinale var patens, for medicinal use in my herb garden.
Next year I plan to plant a lot of comfrey in my pond and riparian areas for livestock and poultry use. Any info much appreciated.
thanks

As far as the difference between Bocking 4 and 14, I think it depends on who you ask (and what they sell).

The B-4 is supposed to produce more biomass, (and have a higher protein level than the B-14).
I've grown both, but never side by side, so I cannot either deny/confirm this.

I have heard claims that B-4 is hardier than B-14, but from what I've heard, all 3 are hardy to USDA Zone 3.

Personally, I don't see that much difference between the three unless...
...you are getting it strictly for medicinal purposes (in which case, get the true comfrey), or
...you don't want it to spread by seeds (in which case, get one of the Bockings).

As far as the question regarding International shipments, you may be limited to true comfrey. True comfrey sets viable seeds. International regulations are usually a little less restrictive for seeds than for live plants. And I would rather receive a packet of seeds that spent a month in the postal system than a live (?) plant.

The US, and Canada each have numerous vendors, and the UK has several (that's where the Bockings originated), so shipment within the EU shouldn't be too big of a problem.

Good luck.

Joseph,

Planted out 25+ crown cuttings of Bocking #4 Comfrey from Coe's Comfrey in NC (USA) -- within three days I have tiny shoots on the cuttings planted temporarily in pots. You'll have to ask if he ships internationally to your specific country -- every country has different export rules on receiving plants. I'm just so happy with these plants that I had to say something.

Best,

Justin

Hi All

We supply excellent quality Comfrey 'Bocking 14' - Symphytum x uplandicum root cuttings and delivery worldwide. Non European Union Buyers - Please Note:
All possible import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs are prior to buying.

See link below to order from the website or ebay link to buy direct

http://www.balkep.org/root-cuttings.html
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Comfrey-Bocking-14-Symphytum-x-uplandicum-Organic-Root-Cuttings-x-20-/231730130465?hash=item35f4312e21:g:M0UAAOSwo0JWKyCL


Cheers

Paul

John Polk wrote:As far as the question regarding International shipments, you may be limited to true comfrey. True comfrey sets viable seeds. International regulations are usually a little less restrictive for seeds than for live plants. And I would rather receive a packet of seeds that spent a month in the postal system than a live (?) plant.

Exactly. Getting seeds across borders is one thing. Getting plants across borders without the proper paperwork is another thing altogether. One need only look at the US plant import regulations to get a sense of what is involved in moving plants across borders. Canada has similar type regulations. And the UK. All you have to do is google country plant imports and you'll likely find the import requirements for that country.

While a seller may be willing to sell plants anywhere around the world, he's very unlikely to be willing to do what he has to do in his country to satisfy the requirements of the destination country. Most countries require a phytosanitary certificate.

I never buy plants from outside Canada even if the seller is willing to sell them to me since I know that they will be seized at the border unless I get incredibly lucky.

The best best would really be to find a local supplier of these plants. Comfrey in particular is so ubiquitous that it has likely - legally or illegally! - been imported pretty much world wide. You only need one piece of root to cultivate from, so asking around in regional gardening forums would be my first step.