How to Grow Lovage Herb Plants

About Growing Lovage Plants in Your Herb Garden

Often described as a “very old herb”, Lovage herbs are actually among the lesser-known herbs. This easy-to-grow herb has an anise and celery flavor. All parts of the Lovage plant, including the thick, fleshy roots, are edible. So, for a real treat, start growing lovage in your herb garden this year.

It is also called “Garden Lovage”. This perennial plant lives for several years. Depending upon who you talk to this herb tastes a little like celery or parsley. Others report it has hints of anise or licorice with a slightly earthy undertone. Of course, the only way you will know is if you try some!

Did You Know? Lovage is used as a substitute for salt.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Uses:

Although Lovage has had a wide variety of uses over many centuries, it is seldom used today for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal uses include:

Fevers

Colic

Flatulence

Jaundice

Stomach disorders

Urinary Ailments

Culinary Uses:

Use Lovage, fresh or frozen, in soups, stews, salads, and stuffing.

It goes well with potato and tomato dishes.

All parts are edible.

Try Lovage in herbal teas.

Lovage Nutritional Value

100 grams of Lovage contains approximately:

37 calories
6.4 g carbs
0 cholesterol
0.8 g fat
0.2 g fiber
2 g protein

Lovage Plant Growing Specifications

Flower Colors: Yellow

Days to Harvest: Begin harvesting leaves in mid to late spring in the second year and later.

Plant Height: six to eight feet tall.

Light Needs: Full sunlight. Partial shade in hot regions.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0– 7.5.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 8

Ideal Growing Temperature Range: Daytime: 60 to 70° F.

Plant Type: Perennial. It lives 10 to 15 years.

Deer Resistant? Yes. Deer, rabbits, and other foraging pests do not like the strong scent and tough texture.

Native To: Afghanistan and Iran.

Botanical Name: Levisticum Officinale

Other Names: Garden Lovage, Maggi plant, Mountain Celery.

Plant Propagation

Lovage plants are grown from seed. Directly sow the seeds into your garden after all danger of frost. Cover lightly with fine garden soil.

For a jump start, start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. After transplanting, keep the soil well-watered for a few weeks.

Lovage can also be propagated by the division of roots.

Seed Depth: 1/4 inch.

Final Plant Spacing: Space seedlings or thin plants to 2 to 3 feet apart.

Days to Germination: 10-21 days

How to Grow Lovage Herb Plants

Planting and Soil Needs

Lovage are cool-weather plants and are easy to grow. The plants are best grown as a spring and a Fall crop because they are not fond of hot weather. They grow best in full sun but tolerate partial shade.

Plants grow best in average to rich soils. But, like other plants, they perform best in rich soil. Mix compost into the soil at planting time.

Soil should be well-drained. Established plants are tolerant of dry soil conditions.

Light Requirements

Provide them with six to eight hours of bright, direct sunlight. They grow best where they receive partial shade from the hot rays of the afternoon sun in midsummer.

Importantly, too little sunlight results in leggy plants with thin stems that can’t support a heavy cauliflower head. Consequently, the heads may develop smealltr, too.

Fertilizer Needs

Lovage plants are not heavy feeders. In rich soils, you may not need any extra fertilizer at all. In average or poor soil, apply a balanced general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the season.

Water Needs

The plants are somewhat drought-tolerant. Keep the soil evenly moist during the entire growing season. You’ll likely need to water them only during dry periods. Allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out before watering. This helps to avoid root rot.

Other Steps

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Insect and Plant Disease Problems

Insect and plant disease problems are infrequent. Aphids, leaf miners, and spider mites are an occasional problem. Treat the plant with an organic insecticidal soap if problems arise.

As has been noted above, foraging animals do not bother these herbs.

Lovage herbs can suffer from mildews and blights. Prune plants to improve air circulation. Use organic fungicides only if needed.

Also, see: Plant Problems – causes and cures

Harvesting Lovage Herbs

Begin to harvest leaves as soon as the plant is big enough, about 2 to 3 feet tall. As a general rule, never take more than 1/3 of the plant’s foliage. Use the leaves fresh or frozen.