Facebook-f Twitter Youtube
Subscribe for the latest from Farmer Jer

Love Your Garden with Lovage: The Ultimate Guide to Growing this Flavorful Herb

Table of Contents

Have you ever heard of lovage? This underrated herb not only adds a unique and delicious flavor to your meals, but it also boasts impressive medicinal properties. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this complete guide to growing lovage will provide you with everything you need to know to cultivate this versatile and hearty plant in your own backyard. Get ready to elevate your cooking and improve your health with the power of lovage.

Benefits of Growing Your Own Lovage


Benefits of growing Lovage at home:

  • Rich in nutrients and vitamins
  • Medicinal properties
  • Improves digestion
  • Adds flavor to dishes
  • Attracts beneficial insects to the garden
  • Low-maintenance and easy to grow
  • Drought-tolerant

General Information About Lovage

Plant Family: Apiaceae (also known as Umbelliferae)
Plant Latin Name: Levisticum officinale

Plant Variations Available

Lovage, also known as sea parsley, is a versatile herb that’s commonly used in cooking and herbal medicine. With its distinct flavor profile that combines notes of celery, anise, and parsley, it can add depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes, including soups, stews, roasted meats, and vegetables.

Farmer Jer's Trading Post Ad

There are several varieties of lovage that you might come across, including Levisticum officinale, which is the most common type of lovage used in cooking and medicinal applications. There’s also the lesser-known sea lovage (Ligusticum sinense), which is widely used in Chinese and Japanese cuisine and has a slightly sweeter taste than its European counterpart.

In addition to being a flavorful ingredient in the kitchen, lovage has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues. It’s believed to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, and may also help relieve digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation.

To use lovage in your cooking or herbal remedies, you can buy fresh lovage leaves and stems at your local farmer’s market or specialty food store. Alternatively, dried lovage leaves and seeds are available online or at health food stores.

When using fresh lovage, try chopping it finely and adding it to soups, stews, or roasted meats for a burst of flavor. You can also use it to make teas or tinctures for medicinal purposes.

Overall, lovage is a versatile herb with a unique flavor profile and many potential health benefits. Whether you’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen or experimenting with natural remedies, lovage is definitely worth adding to your arsenal of ingredients.

Germinating Lovage

Preferred Zones

Lovage is a robust herb that belongs to the family of parsley. It is widely known for its unique flavor that bears resemblance to celery and parsley. The herb is commonly used as a seasoning in soups, stews, and stocks but increasingly, it is being grown for its use in home remedies due to its medicinal properties. If you plan to grow lovage in your garden, it’s essential to choose the best location that will provide the ideal growing conditions for the plant.

Before choosing a spot, it’s crucial to understand that lovage thrives in full sun and fertile, moist soil that is rich in organic matter, so you should ensure that the location you choose meets these requirements. With that in mind, let’s explore the best zones for outdoor growing of lovage:

Zone 3-6: In these regions, lovage is a hardy perennial that can be grown with ease. The herb is capable of wintering over and providing an early-season harvest in the spring. In these areas, it’s recommended to plant lovage in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining soil.

Zone 7-9: These regions are ideal for growing lovage in the fall and winter seasons. However, during the summer months, the herb may require extra care, such as watering and a protective layer of mulch. It’s advisable to grow lovage in partial shade during the hottest months of the year.

Zone 10-11: In these tropical regions, lovage can be grown year-round. When planting lovage in these areas, it’s recommended to keep the soil moist and to place the herb in partial shade to avoid total exposure to direct sunlight.

In conclusion, growing lovage can be a worthwhile addition to your herb garden. By following the growing guidelines above, you can successfully cultivate lovage and reap its benefits for years to come.

Sowing Instructions

Lovage is an aromatic herb that is known for its strong flavor and medicinal benefits. It is easy to grow and can be sown directly into the soil or in pots. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sow Lovage:

1. Choose a good spot – Lovage thrives in well-drained soil and partial sun. Choose a spot that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day.

2. Prepare the soil – Lovage prefers rich, fertile soil. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality.

3. Sow the seeds – Sow Lovage seeds directly into the soil in early spring or fall. Sow them ¼ inch deep and 12 inches apart. If planting in pots, sow the seeds 2-3 inches apart.

4. Water regularly – Lovage needs consistent moisture. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

5. Thin the seedlings – After the seeds germinate, thin the seedlings to ensure that each plant has enough space to grow.

6. Harvest – Lovage can be harvested once the plants reach a height of 6-8 inches. Cut the stems close to the ground, leaving a few leaves for regrowth.

By following these simple steps, you can easily grow Lovage in your garden or in pots. Lovage is a versatile herb that can be used in soups, stews, and salads, as well as for medicinal purposes. So go ahead, get your hands dirty and enjoy the rewards of growing your own Lovage plant!

Preparation Advice

Looking to grow your own lovage? This delicious herb, also known as sea parsley, is a great addition to any herb garden or vegetable patch. Here are some tips on the best methods and equipment to use when prepping for lovage planting:

1. Start with Quality Seeds: The first step in any successful planting is to get good quality seeds. Look for seeds that are labelled as ‘lovage’ or ‘sea parsley’ and check the seed packet for instructions on planting depth, spacing and ideal growing conditions.

2. Choose the Right Location: Lovage loves a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to your planting area before sowing your seeds.

3. Prepare the Soil: Before planting, it’s important to prepare the soil by digging it over and breaking up any clumps. You may also want to add some lime to the soil to help balance the pH levels.

4. Planting: Lovage seeds should be sown in early spring, after the last frost. Sow your seeds thinly and cover with a layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and germination should occur in around two weeks.

5. Water and Fertilize: Lovage needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during periods of drought. You can also give your plants a boost by fertilizing them with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

6. Harvesting: Once your lovage has reached around 50cm in height, you can begin harvesting the leaves and stems. Simply snip off what you need, being careful not to cut back too much of the plant at once.

With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to growing delicious lovage in your own backyard. Happy gardening!

Germination Tools and Equipment

Germinating Lovage is an exciting process that requires the right tools and equipment to achieve optimal results. The following tools and equipment are essential to germinating healthy Lovage plants:

1. High-quality Lovage seeds – this is the foundation of a healthy plant. Select seeds that are fresh and of high quality from a reputable supplier.

2. Seed trays or pots – these are necessary to give your seeds the right environment to grow. You can use seed trays or pots filled with potting soil or compost to plant your Lovage seeds.

3. Transparent plastic bags – these can be used to create a warm and moist environment for your seeds, especially in the early stages of growth. Cover the seeded pots with clear plastic bags or plastic wrap to maintain the right amount of moisture and temperature.

4. Grow lights – grow lights provide the necessary light and radiation that promote germination and growth of healthy plants. If you do not have access to natural light, consider investing in grow lights to support healthy Lovage growth.

5. Heat mats – a heat mat can be used to keep the soil warm and provide consistent heat for your seeds.

6. Watering can or spray bottle – a watering can or misting spray bottle is necessary to keep the soil moist and provide your Lovage seeds with ample water.

With these tools and equipment in your possession, you are ready to start the process of growing proven healthy Lovage plants.

Growing Lovage


Light Requirements

Ah, the lovely lovage! This herb with its refreshing, celery-like flavor is definitely worth growing in your backyard.

In terms of lighting, lovage thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate some shade, so if your garden only gets partial sun, don’t worry too much.

If you’re growing lovage indoors, it’s best to place it in a bright window that receives plenty of natural light. Keep in mind that lovage, like most herbs, needs a lot of light to grow and thrive, and artificial light may not be enough to provide the energy it needs.

One important thing to keep in mind when it comes to lovage is that it needs a steady supply of light to produce healthy, flavorful leaves. This means that you should try to avoid moving your herb around too much, as sudden changes in lighting conditions can stress it out and affect its growth.

Overall, by providing your lovage with plenty of sunlight- whether it be natural or artificial- and a consistent lighting schedule, you can be sure that it will thrive and provide you with a delicious and fragrant source of flavor for your culinary creations. Happy gardening!

Temperature Requirements

If you’re interested in growing lovage, it’s important to keep in mind the plant’s temperature requirements. While it’s relatively easy to grow, lovage does have specific temperature preferences that will help it thrive.

First off, it’s important to note that lovage is a hardy perennial herb that can tolerate both cold and heat. However, it grows best in cooler temperatures, ideally between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius).

In the spring and fall, when temperatures are cooler, lovage will grow quickly and produce lots of fresh green leaves. In the summer months, it may experience some heat stress and may not grow quite as vigorously. But don’t worry – lovage is resilient and should still be able to produce a decent harvest during warmer weather.

If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to consider giving your lovage some shade during the hottest part of the day. A bit of afternoon shade will help the plant stay cool and prevent it from drying out.

It’s also important to note that lovage prefers moist, well-drained soil. If your soil is too dry or too wet, the plant may struggle to grow and develop properly. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and make sure it has good drainage.

Overall, if you can provide your lovage with cool temperatures and proper soil conditions, it should be relatively happy and healthy. Just be sure to give it enough space to grow – lovage can reach heights of up to 6 feet and spread up to 3 feet wide!

My Favorite Tools For Growing Lovage

Lovage is a beautiful and versatile herb that is known for its strong and distinct flavor. Not only is it a delicious addition to many dishes, but it also has several health benefits. However, to enjoy these benefits and ensure the maximum growth of this herb, you need some essential tools and equipment.

The first tool you need is a pair of sharp pruning shears. Proper pruning of your lovage plant will help maintain its shape, promote healthy growth, and prevent diseases. Prune your lovage plant regularly and remove any dead, yellow or broken stems to promote fresh new growth.

Another important tool that you need is a good-quality watering can. Lovage requires moist soil to remain healthy and thrive, so watering your plant regularly is crucial. Water your lovage plant deeply but avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot. It’s best to water your lovage in the morning to prevent moisture from sitting overnight.

If you want to start growing your lovage indoors or in a greenhouse, you should invest in some grow lights. Lovage requires plenty of sunlight to grow, so grow lights can help fill in the gaps where natural light is lacking. These lights provide the necessary spectrums of light that the plant needs, ensuring healthy and lush growth.

Lastly, make sure to use high-quality soil and fertilizers specifically formulated for herbs. Soil is the foundation of your plant’s health, and nutrients in fertilizer help support your plant’s growth as well. Ensure you are giving it enough nutrients regularly to encourage healthy growth and a bountiful harvest.

In conclusion, lovage is a fantastic herb that is delicious and has several health benefits. With the proper tools and equipment, you can ensure that your lovage plant thrives and produces abundant foliage. So, grab your pruning shears, watering can, grow lights, and nutrient-rich soil, and start caring for your lovage plant today!

Preferred Soil Type

Lovage is a wonderful herb to grow in your garden, and it’s easy to do so if you have the right soil conditions. Lovage prefers to grow in soil that is fertile and well-drained. It also requires soil that is slightly alkaline, with a pH level between 6.7 and 7.3.

Before planting your lovage, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. First, loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller to a depth of about 12 inches. Next, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to enrich it and improve its texture. This will provide your lovage with the essential nutrients it needs to grow and thrive.

During the growing season, it’s important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Consistency is key, so watering should be done regularly, but not excessively. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems, so err on the side of caution here.

Finally, keep in mind that lovage is a fairly tall plant, so ensure there is space for it to grow freely. Whether you’re planting it in a raised bed or a traditional garden plot, space your lovage plants about 2 to 3 feet apart to give them ample room to grow and thrive.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to growing healthy, vibrant lovage plants in your garden. With its unique flavor and myriad of culinary uses, it’s a must-have for any herb garden enthusiast.

Watering Requirements

Lovage, a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean region, is an excellent addition to any herb garden. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals. However, to ensure healthy growth and development, proper watering is crucial.

Lovage requires consistent moisture to thrive, but it should not be over-watered. In general, it is best to water it deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The depth of watering should be adjusted based on the depth of penetration of the roots.

It is essential to monitor the moisture levels of the soil, particularly during hot and dry periods. If the soil is too dry or the herb is showing signs of wilting, it needs more water. On the other hand, if the soil is too wet or boggy, the roots may rot, and the plant may become susceptible to disease.

Mulching can aid with water retention, regulate soil temperature, and control weed growth. A 2-to 3-inch layer of organic matter such as compost, leaves, or bark can be applied around the plant. This can also benefit the soil by slowly releasing valuable nutrients into the soil.

As the plant matures, it may require less frequent watering, but it is still essential to maintain consistent soil moisture levels to ensure healthy growth.

In summary, watering lovage consistently and deeply while avoiding over-watering is key to its healthy growth. Monitoring soil moisture, applying organic mulch, and adjusting watering frequency as the plant matures can aid in cultivating a robust and lush herb.

What You Need To Know About Fertilizing Lovage

When it comes to growing healthy lovage, proper fertilization is key. Lovage is a hardy perennial herb that requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. To provide the necessary nutrients for robust growth, fertilization is recommended both before planting and throughout the growing season.

Before planting, it’s best to incorporate a well-balanced fertilizer into the soil. A 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer will provide a good mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for healthy growth. This should be done a few weeks before planting to allow the fertilizer to fully integrate into the soil.

Once the plants are established, it’s important to continue fertilizing them regularly. A general rule of thumb is to fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Again, a well-balanced fertilizer should be used. You can opt for an organic fertilizer to avoid any harsh chemicals, but be sure to follow the package instructions for proper application rates.

In addition to regular fertilization, it’s also important to ensure that the plants are getting enough water. Lovage prefers a consistent level of moisture, so be sure to water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells.

By providing your lovage with the right amount of nutrients and water, you’ll be sure to enjoy a healthy and bountiful harvest of this delightful herb.

My Favorite Fertilizers For Lovage

If you’re looking to grow healthy and robust Lovage, then choosing the right fertilizer is crucial for success. Here are some of the best fertilizers that you need to use:

1. Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizers:
Lovage is a heavy feeder of nitrogen, and therefore, nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be your go-to choice. It promotes the growth of foliage, and the leaves of the plant would become much larger and greener, strengthening the plant’s overall health. A good option is a blood meal or chicken manure, which are both high in nitrogen.

2. Phosphorus Fertilizers:
Phosphorus is essential for the plant’s root growth and development. If you want your Lovage to be stable and well-established, then you need to use a fertilizer rich in phosphorus. Rock phosphate is a great option as it’s slow release, providing the plant with nutrients over time.

3. Compost:
Composting is an excellent way to enrich your soil with several essential nutrients. It’s a natural and organic way of fertilizing your plants, providing them with a range of minerals and vitamins necessary for their growth. Adding compost to your Lovage bed will increase the soil’s fertility, promoting healthy plant growth.

4. Organic Fish Fertilizers:
Fish fertilizers are another natural way of nourishing your Lovage plant. It contains several essential nutrients that help plants grow healthy and strong. Organic fish fertilizers are also an excellent source of beneficial microbes that help improve soil structure, aerate the soil and break down organic matter, making it easier for plants to absorb nutrients.

So there you have it – the best fertilizers for your Lovage plant. Remember to apply fertilizers in small quantities and not to over-fertilize, as this can harm the plant. A balanced approach to fertilization is essential to achieve optimal growth and a healthy, thriving plant.

Harvesting Lovage

Time To Maturity

Lovage is a hardy herb with a long history of medicinal and culinary uses. Many growers are attracted to this plant due to its fast growth rate and adapting nature. So if you are wondering about the time it takes for Lovage to go from sprouting to maturity, you’ve come to the right place.

Lovage is a perennial plant that grows best in cool, moist soil conditions. Once you have planted the seeds, you can expect to see the sprouts within two to three weeks. These sprouts will develop into small, leafy plants that will continue to grow during the spring and summer months.

Within a few months, the Lovage plant will reach its first stage of maturity, where it will produce a tall stem with clusters of fragrant, yellow-green flowers. At this stage, the plant will have already developed a deep root system, which will help it absorb essential nutrients and water from the soil.

It usually takes around three to four years for Lovage to achieve its full potential and reach maturity. Mature Lovage plants can grow up to six feet tall, and they produce large leaves that can grow up to two feet in length. At this point, Lovage is ready to be harvested and used for medicinal or culinary purposes.

In conclusion, if you plan on growing Lovage, it’s essential to be patient as it takes several years to reach maturity. But, once it does, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of flavorful and nutritious leaves, stems, and roots. So, don’t hesitate to give Lovage a try and experience the beauty and benefits of this amazing plant.

Harvest Instructions

Lovage is a flavorful herb that is commonly used in culinary dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces. Its leaves, stems, and seeds are all edible and possess a distinct taste that is likened to celery.

To harvest lovage, follow these simple steps:

1. Wait for the right time to harvest – Lovage is best harvested in the early morning before the sun dries up the dew on the leaves. It’s best to pick it during its growing season, which is from late spring to early fall.

2. Choose the right tools – Harvesting lovage only requires basic garden tools such as gardening gloves, a sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, and a basket or container for collecting the leaves and stems.

3. Cut the stems – Cut the lovage stems close to the base with your scissors or pruning shears. Leave at least 1/3 of the plant intact to ensure its continued growth.

4. Collect the leaves – Once you have the stems, you can collect the leaves by gently stripping them off with your hands. If you prefer, you can also clip the leaves from the stems using your scissors or pruning shears.

5. Store the lovage – Once you’ve gathered your lovage, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. If you’re planning on using it fresh, make sure to wash it thoroughly before use.

Using these simple steps, you can easily harvest lovage to add to your favorite dishes and culinary creations. With its unique flavor and versatility, lovage is a must-have for any herb garden or kitchen.

My Favorite Tools For Harvest Time

When it comes to harvesting Lovage, there are several tools and equipment you need to ensure a successful and efficient harvest. Lovage is a perennial herb with large leaves and hollow stems that grows up to six feet tall. It’s commonly used in soups, stews, and salads and adds a unique flavor to any dish.

1. Pruning shears: Lovage stems can be tough, so it’s essential to have a good pair of pruning shears to snip them easily. Make sure the shears are sharp enough to cut through the stems without damaging the plant.

2. Harvesting knife: When harvesting the leaves, it’s best to use a sharp harvesting knife. Gently hold the stem and cut the leaves near the base to avoid damaging the stem or the other leaves.

3. Gardening gloves: Lovage leaves can cause skin irritation, so it’s advisable to wear gloves while harvesting. Gardening gloves will protect your hands from contact with the leaves’ sap and other foliage.

4. Harvesting basket: As you harvest the Lovage leaves, it’s best to keep them in a harvesting basket. The basket should be spacious, sturdy, and lightweight enough to carry around as you move to other parts of the garden.

5. Watering can or garden hose: After your Lovage harvest, watering the remaining plants is a great way to rejuvenate them. Make sure you have a watering can or garden hose ready to nourish your plants.

With the right tools and equipment, harvesting Lovage can be an enjoyable and fulfilling activity. Remember to handle the plants gently and respect the growing seasons to ensure a bountiful harvest. Happy harvesting!

End of Season & Overwintering


Ah, Lovage – a wonderfully aromatic and versatile herb that can add oomph to all kinds of dishes. As we approach the end of the growing season, it’s time to start thinking about how to care for your Lovage plant to ensure it survives through the winter and comes back even stronger next year.

First off, if you live in a particularly cold climate, it’s best to move your Lovage plant to a pot and bring it indoors to a bright windowsill. Lovage is a hardy perennial that can withstand frost, but it requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. If you choose to keep your Lovage outside, make sure to cover it with a thick layer of mulch, straw, or leaves to help insulate the roots.

Before winter sets in, give your Lovage plant a good pruning to remove any dead or damaged foliage. This will help prevent diseases from taking hold and make it easier for the plant to regrow in the spring.

To help your Lovage survive the winter, make sure it stays well-hydrated. However, be careful not to overwater it, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water your Lovage deeply once a week, making sure the soil has drained completely before watering again.

As the winter wears on, keep an eye on your Lovage plant for any signs of stress or pest infestations. If you spot anything amiss, take action right away to prevent it from spreading.

By taking good care of your Lovage plant over the winter, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest come springtime. Happy gardening!

Final Thoughts on Lovage


Congratulations, you have successfully completed the journey of growing your own fresh and flavorful lovage! From germination to harvesting, you have witnessed the magic of nature and the rewarding experience of growing your own herbs.

By following the steps in this guide, you have gained valuable knowledge on how to properly care for your lovage plant, from providing the right conditions for germination to ensuring proper light and moisture for healthy growth.

With its unique flavor and versatility in the kitchen, your lovage plant will surely become a staple in your herb garden. Whether you use it fresh or dried, you can add its leaves and stems to soups, stews, salads, and even cocktails.

Remember that growing plants requires patience and dedication, but the outcome is worth the effort. As you tend to your lovage plant and watch it flourish, you will appreciate the benefits of homegrown herbs that are fresh, organic, and full of flavor.

We hope that this guide has been helpful in your lovage-growing journey and that it has inspired you to expand your herb garden and explore new flavors in your cooking. Happy growing and harvesting!

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Lovage


Q1: What type of soil is best for growing lovage?
A1: Lovage prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal for growing lovage. It is important to ensure that the soil pH is between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Q2: When is the best time to plant lovage?
A2: Lovage can be planted in the spring, once the soil temperature has reached at least 50°F. Alternatively, it can be planted in the fall as well. Plant lovage in a location that receives full or partial sun to ensure the plant receives ample light.

Q3: How should I care for my lovage plant?
A3: Lovage requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It is also important to regularly fertilize the plant with organic matter to promote growth. Lovage benefits from regular pruning to keep the plant from getting too tall or bushy. Harvest the leaves as needed, ensuring to not remove more than one-third of the plant at once.

Keep reading more gardening greats:

Keep reading more gardening greats:

Keep reading more gardening greats:

More Herbs? Yes, Please!

Farmer Jer's Gardening

© 2023 Farmer Jer - A Hyperwave Media Group Ltd. Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Scroll to Top