Quick Growing Facts

When & Where to Grow Lovage

Lovage is a long-lived perennial that thrives in cool to moderate climates. Once established, it comes back year after year and can become a striking feature in your garden.

• Outdoors (direct sow): Sow in spring after soil has warmed and danger of hard frost has passed, or in late summer for fall germination in mild climates.
• Indoors: Start seeds in late winter to early spring for transplanting out after frost.
• Location: Choose a permanent spot with plenty of space — lovage can get tall and wide. Place toward the back of beds or along fences.
• Light: Full sun is ideal, but in hot climates, light afternoon shade can help prevent stress.

Soil Preparation

Lovage develops deep roots and appreciates fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains well.

• Loosen the top 10–12 in (25–30 cm) of soil and remove stones, roots, and debris.
• Work in plenty of compost or well-rotted manure to build fertility and structure.
• Aim for soil that drains freely but holds moisture like a wrung-out sponge.
• Avoid very shallow, compacted, or waterlogged sites; deep, rich beds or raised beds are ideal.

How to Sow Lovage Seeds Outdoors

Direct sowing works well, though lovage seeds can be a bit slow and uneven to germinate. Patience is key.

1. Prepare the bed: Rake the soil surface smooth after loosening and amending.
2. Sowing depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 in (0.6 cm) deep.
3. Row spacing: Space rows at least 24–30 in (60–75 cm) apart, as plants will get large.
4. Seed spacing: Place seeds every 2–3 in (5–7 cm); you will thin later.
5. Cover & firm: Lightly cover with fine soil and gently firm to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
6. Water: Water gently but thoroughly to keep the top layer evenly moist until seeds sprout.

Germination may take 10–21 days or longer in cool soil. Once seedlings are 3–4 in (7–10 cm) tall, thin to 24–36 in (60–90 cm) apart.

Starting Lovage Indoors

Starting indoors helps you establish strong young plants for transplanting into their permanent positions.

• Sow 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date.
• Use cell trays or small pots filled with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.
• Sow 2–3 seeds per cell, 1/4 in (0.6 cm) deep, and keep evenly moist.
• Maintain temperatures around 60–70°F (15–21°C) with bright light from a sunny window or grow lights.
• Thin to the strongest seedling per cell once true leaves appear.
• Harden off plants gradually and transplant outdoors after frost, spacing 24–36 in (60–90 cm) apart.

Watering & Feeding

Lovage likes consistent moisture and plenty of nutrients, especially while young and establishing.

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during the first growing season and in hot, dry weather. Once established, lovage is somewhat drought-tolerant but performs best with regular water.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of compost, straw, or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
• Feeding: Top-dress with compost in spring each year. In poor soil, use a balanced organic fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.

Plant Care & Maintenance

• Weeding: Keep the area around lovage free of weeds, especially while plants are young.
• Height & staking: Mature plants can reach 4–6 ft tall. In windy sites, light staking may be helpful.
• Cutting back: Cutting stems for harvest or trimming back after flowering encourages fresh growth.
• Perennial care: Lovage dies back in winter; allow stems to be cut down at frost or trim them back in late fall/early spring.
• Dividing: Every few years, large clumps can be lifted and divided in early spring or fall to rejuvenate and propagate plants.

Pests & Diseases

Lovage is generally tough and low-maintenance, with few serious problems when grown in healthy conditions.

• Insects: Occasionally aphids may cluster on tender stems; rinse off with water or use organic controls if needed.
• Leaf issues: Good spacing and air circulation help prevent fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering late in the day.
• Root problems: Ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot in chronically wet conditions.

Harvesting Lovage Leaves, Stems & Seeds

Harvesting Leaves & Stems

• Begin light harvesting of leaves once plants are well established, typically in their first full season.
• Cut outer stems and leaves with scissors or a knife, leaving the inner growth to continue developing.
• Regular harvesting encourages fresh, tender regrowth. Avoid stripping the plant completely at one time.
• Leaves and stems have a strong, savory, celery-like flavor — a little goes a long way.

Harvesting Seeds

• Mature lovage produces umbels of small yellow-green flowers that turn into seeds.
• Allow flower heads to dry on the plant until seeds turn tan-brown and firm.
• Cut entire umbels on a dry day and place them upside down in a paper bag or over a tray to finish drying.
• Shake or rub to release the seeds, then store for culinary use or future planting.

Saving Lovage Seed

Lovage is easy to grow from seed, and saving your own seed lets you maintain plants adapted to your garden.

• Select healthy, vigorous plants to go to seed.
• Dry seed heads thoroughly in a warm, airy place, away from direct sunlight.
• Clean off chaff and store seeds in a labeled, airtight container.
• Keep in a cool, dry, dark place until sowing time next season.

How to Use Lovage in the Kitchen & Garden

• Leaves: Use sparingly in soups, stews, stocks, potato dishes, stuffing, and salads for a celery-like, savory flavor.
• Stems: Young stems can be chopped like celery; older stalks can flavor stocks and broths.
• Seeds: Use in breads, pickles, spice blends, and as a warming seasoning similar to celery seed.
• Perennial structure: Tall, architectural foliage adds height and texture to herb gardens and mixed borders.
• Pollinator-friendly: Umbel flowers attract beneficial insects and pollinators to your garden.

Tips for Success

• Choose a permanent location with enough space for a tall, wide plant.
• Keep soil consistently moist and fertile, especially during the first year.
• Mulch annually with compost to feed the plant and protect roots.
• Harvest regularly to encourage fresh growth, but don’t over-harvest young plants.
• Divide mature clumps every few years if they become crowded or less vigorous.

Note: Growing conditions vary by region. Adjust sowing times, irrigation, and winter protection to suit your local climate and weather patterns.