How to Grow Lovage At Home: Step By Step Guide

Kasey Spencer
how to grow lovage at home

Lovage is a tall, leafy herb that can add a unique celery-like flavor to your cooking. I’ve grown this tasty plant in my garden for years. It’s easy to care for and comes back every spring. To grow lovage at home, start seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outside in late spring when the soil warms up.

This perennial herb originally comes from Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. Its scientific name is Levisticum officinale. Lovage can reach heights of 6 feet or more, making it a striking addition to any herb garden. The leaves, stems, roots, and seeds are all usable in cooking.

I love how versatile the lovage is in the kitchen. Its strong flavor works well in soups, stews, and salads. The hollow stems can even be used as straws for Bloody Marys! With a few simple steps, you can grow this useful herb right in your backyard. Let me walk you through how to get started.

Lovage plant
Image: Envato Elements

Getting Started with Lovage

Growing lovage at home is easy and rewarding. I’ll show you how to choose the best spot, prepare the soil, and select the right seeds or seedlings to start your lovage.

Choosing the Right Location

Lovage thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade. I pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant can grow quite tall, so I make sure there’s enough vertical space. I also consider its strong aroma when deciding where to plant it.

Lovage prefers cooler temperatures, so I provide some afternoon shade in hot climates. This helps prevent wilting and keeps the leaves flavorful. I also make sure the area has good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Understanding Soil Preferences

Lovage grows best in rich, loamy, well-drained soil. I start by testing my soil’s pH. Lovage likes a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If needed, I adjust the pH using lime or sulfur.

I improve the soil structure by adding organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This helps with drainage and provides nutrients. I mix it into the top 8-12 inches of soil before planting.

Good drainage is crucial for lovage. If my soil is heavy clay, I add sand or perlite to improve drainage. Raised beds can also help in areas with poor drainage.

Selecting Lovage Seeds and Seedlings

I can grow lovage from seeds or seedlings. Seeds are cheaper but take longer to grow. Seedlings give me a head start but cost more. I choose based on my budget and patience.

For seeds, I look for fresh, high-quality ones from a reputable source. I sow them indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost date. Lovage seeds need light to germinate, so I press them lightly into the soil surface.

If I opt for seedlings, I select healthy plants with sturdy stems and vibrant green leaves. I avoid any signs of disease or pest damage. I plant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Planting and Cultivation

Growing lovage at home is easy with the right steps. I’ll walk you through sowing seeds, transplanting, and caring for your lovage plants.

Sowing Seeds Indoors

I start lovage seeds indoors 5-6 weeks before the last frost date. I fill small pots with seed starting mix and lightly press the seeds into the surface. I don’t cover them, as they need light to germinate. I keep the soil moist and warm, around 60°F (16°C).

Lovage seeds can take 2-3 weeks to sprout. Once they do, I make sure they get plenty of light. A sunny window or grow lights work well. I thin the seedlings when they’re a couple of inches tall, keeping the strongest ones.

Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors

I transplant my lovage seedlings outside in early summer after the risk of frost has passed. I choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil.

I dig holes about 20-24 inches apart. This gives the plants room to grow to their full size. I gently remove the seedlings from their pots and place them in the holes. I fill in with soil and water well.

Watering and Feeding

Lovage likes consistent moisture but not soggy soil. I water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. I aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

For feeding, I add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting. During the growing season, I apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. I also mulch around the plants with organic material like straw or bark chips. This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Lovage plant
Image: Envato Elements

Maintenance and Care

Taking care of lovage plants is easy with the right approach. I’ll cover key tips for pest control, promoting healthy growth, and smart planting strategies.

Controlling Pests and Diseases

Lovage is pretty tough, but it can still get bugged by pests. I keep an eye out for leaf miners – they make tunnels in the leaves. If I spot them, I remove the affected leaves right away. Aphids can also be a problem. I blast them off with water or use insecticidal soap.

For diseases, I make sure there’s good airflow around my plants. This helps prevent fungal issues. If I notice any sick-looking leaves, I trim them off fast. I also avoid watering the leaves directly.

To ward off pests naturally, I plant strong-smelling herbs nearby. Basil and Mint work well for this. I also encourage helpful bugs like ladybugs to hang around my garden.

How to Encourage Healthy Growth

I start by giving my lovage plants the right soil. They like it rich and moist, but not soggy. I mix in some compost before planting. During the growing season, I feed them with a balanced organic fertilizer every few weeks.

Mulching is key. I put a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of my plants. This keeps the soil moist and cool. It also stops weeds from popping up.

I prune my lovage regularly. This keeps it bushy and stops it from getting too tall. I cut off any flower stalks that appear unless I want seeds. This helps the plant focus on leaf growth.

Water is crucial. I give my lovage a deep watering once a week. If it’s really hot, I might water more often. But I always check the soil first – it should be dry an inch down before watering again.

Companion Planting and Rotation

Lovage plays nice with lots of other plants. I like to grow it near tubers like potatoes. It seems to improve their flavor. It also gets along well with other herbs like dill and cilantro.

But lovage is a big plant. I make sure to give it plenty of space – at least 2 feet between plants. This stops it from overshadowing smaller herbs.

For crop rotation, I treat lovage like other plants in the carrot family. I don’t plant it where I’ve recently grown carrots, celery, or parsley. This helps prevent pest and disease buildup in the soil.

If I want to propagate my lovage, I divide the roots in spring or fall. I can also take stem cuttings in summer. This lets me create new plants without starting from seed each time.

Sowing Seeds Indoors
Image: Envato Elements

Harvesting and Utilization

Lovage is a versatile herb that can be used in many ways. I’ll cover when to pick it, how to store it, and some tasty recipes to try.

When and How to Harvest Lovage

I start harvesting lovage leaves in spring, once the plant is about 6 inches tall. I pick young, tender leaves for the best flavor. As the plant grows, I can harvest leaves and stems throughout the season.

For the roots, I wait until the fall of the second or third year. I use a garden fork to carefully dig them up. I make sure to leave some roots so the plant can regrow next year. I cut seed heads in late summer when they turn brown. I dry them in paper bags to collect the seeds.

Storing and Preserving Fresh Lovage

I store fresh lovage leaves in the fridge, wrapped in damp paper towels. They stay good for about a week this way. For longer storage, I freeze or dry the leaves. To freeze, I chop the leaves and put them in ice cube trays with a bit of water. Once frozen, I transfer the cubes to freezer bags.

To dry lovage, I hang small bundles upside down in a warm, dry place. When crisp, I crumble the leaves and store them in airtight jars.

Incorporating Lovage in Recipes

I use lovage leaves fresh or dried in many dishes. Their celery-like flavor works well in soups, stews, and salads. I add chopped leaves to potato salad or egg dishes for a flavor boost. Lovage stems can be used like celery in stuffings or soups. I sometimes candy the stems as a sweet treat.

The roots add depth to broths and stews. I peel and chop them before adding them to dishes. I make lovage vinegar by steeping leaves in white vinegar for a few weeks. It’s great in salad dressings or marinades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Growing lovage at home raises some common questions. I’ll address key aspects of cultivating this herb, from ideal conditions to uses.

What are the ideal conditions for growing lovage in the garden?

Lovage thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers rich, moist soil with good drainage. I’ve found lovage does best with regular watering and mulching to retain moisture. The plant can grow quite tall, so I give it plenty of space. About 2-3 feet between plants works well in my experience.

How can you successfully cultivate lovage in containers?

I use a large, deep pot for container-grown lovage. At least 12 inches deep and wide is ideal. Good drainage is key, so I add holes to the bottom if needed. I fill the pot with rich potting soil mixed with compost. Regular watering is crucial for container lovage. I check the soil daily and water when the top inch feels dry.

What plants make good companions for lovage in a garden setting?

I’ve had success planting lovage near other herbs like parsley, chives, and dill. These herbs have similar growing needs and don’t compete for resources. Lovage also pairs well with vegetables like carrots and celery. Its strong scent can help deter some pests from nearby plants.

How long does it typically take for lovage to fully mature from planting?

From seed, lovage takes about 85-95 days to reach maturity. If I start with seedlings, it’s usually ready for harvest in 70-80 days. The plant grows quickly once established. I can often start harvesting leaves within 6-8 weeks of planting.

Is lovage considered a perennial herb, and how does it behave in various climate zones?

Lovage is a hardy perennial in many areas. It survives winter in zones 3-9, returning year after year. In colder zones, I protect the plant with mulch in winter. In warmer zones, it may die back in summer heat but regrows when temperatures cool.

Can lovage be used for medicinal purposes, and if so, what are its benefits?

Lovage has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s said to aid digestion and reduce bloating. Some use lovage as a diuretic or to soothe minor stomach upsets. As with any herb, it’s best to consult a doctor before using it medicinally.

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