Lovage - Key Growing Information

Lovage can be grown as an annual or a perennial, and can become quite large; the leaves impart a celery-like flavor to cuisine.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

10-14 days.

SOWING:

Transplant (recommended): Start 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. Sow seeds thickly about 1/4" deep in flats. Transplant to individual containers when seedlings have 4 true leaves. Transplant outdoors in spring or early summer 18-24" apart in rows 3' apart.
Direct seed: Lovage may be directed seeded in the spring or in early fall for germination in the spring. Sow 1-2 seeds per inch in rows 3' apart. When 3-4" tall, thin to stand 6" apart. Lovage dies back in the winter, but comes back quickly in early spring. In the spring, it can be further thinned to stand 18-24" inches apart.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun/Part Shade. Lovage grows best in full sun, but will tolerate part shade.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Performs best in moist, fertile soil, but will grow in most soils.

PLANT HEIGHT:

48-78".

PLANT SPACING:

18-24".

HARDINESS ZONES:

Zones 4-8.

HARVEST:

Harvest leaves the first year once the plants have become established. Entire branches may be cut the second year.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Levisticum officinale

Lovage