Lovage. Quite an odd name, absolutely incredible herb. If you’ve never tried it, imagine if celery and parsley decided to have a love child with a dash of aniseed. Strong, fresh, and a bit bold, lovage is one of those herbs that brings a punch to any dish. And trust me, it’s not just for fancy cooks—it’s healthy too!
This perennial herb can grow to be pretty tall, like a leafy green tower, and its flavor intensifies the longer you let it grow. It’s perfect for seasoning soups, stews, or even adding a bit of kick to your salad. And don’t throw those leaves away—they’ve got flavor for days. Plus, you can dry them and use them year-round!
Lovage loves the sun but doesn’t mind a bit of shade either, making it a versatile garden companion. It’s also pretty forgiving, though it’ll thrive better with a bit of extra water and some good compost. Give it the right spot, and it’ll happily keep growing year after year.
The plant itself? Surprisingly beautiful. Big, lush, and green with feathery leaves that’ll make you think you’re growing a miniature tree in your herb garden. And while it’s pretty enough to show off, you can also turn its leaves into something special—a nice herbal tea or even use them medicinally. Just don’t be surprised when your garden friends start asking for a taste!
How to Grow Lovage
Growing lovage is the process of cultivating a perennial herb known for its tall stature and celery-like flavor.
Lovage thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight and regular watering. It can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 3-6 feet, making it a striking addition to herb gardens.
It’s relatively easy to grow and maintain, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to add a unique flavor to their culinary dishes.
Planting Lovage
- Choosing a Location: Lovage prefers a sunny location but can tolerate partial shade. It thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- When to Plant: Sow seeds in early spring, directly into the ground or indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
- Spacing: Space seeds 18-24 inches apart to allow enough room for the large, bushy plants to grow.
- Transplanting: If starting indoors, transplant seedlings outside after the danger of frost has passed, keeping the same spacing guidelines.
Growing Lovage
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
- Fertilizing: Lovage is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in the spring and again mid-season if the growth is slow.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Maintenance: Lovage can grow up to 6 feet tall. Regularly prune the plants to maintain their size and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
Harvesting Lovage
- When to Harvest: Lovage leaves can be harvested as soon as the plant is established, usually in its second year. The stems and roots can also be harvested, but roots are typically dug up in the fall of the second year.
- How to Harvest:
- Leaves: Snip off the leaves as needed throughout the growing season. Younger leaves are more tender and flavorful.
- Stems: Harvest stems before they become too woody, usually when they are young and tender.
- Roots: Dig up the roots in the fall for use in herbal remedies or cooking.
Storing Lovage
- Fresh Storage: Store fresh leaves and stems in the refrigerator, wrapped in a damp paper towel, for up to a week.
- Drying: Lovage leaves can be dried by hanging them in a dark, well-ventilated area. Once dried, store them in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Chop the leaves and stems, then freeze them in ice cube trays with a bit of water or in a sealed bag.
Uses of Lovage
- Culinary: The leaves and stems have a celery-like flavor and can be used in soups, salads, and stews. The seeds can be used as a spice, similar to fennel seeds.
- Medicinal: Lovage has been used traditionally for digestive issues, as a diuretic, and for respiratory conditions.
Common Pests and Problems
- Pests: Lovage is relatively pest-resistant, but it may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
- Diseases: Lovage is generally disease-free but ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal issues.
Lovage Growing Zone
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a hardy perennial herb that thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. It can tolerate a wide range of climates, from colder regions to warmer areas.
However, it prefers a cooler growing environment and does best in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil. In warmer climates, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent the plant from becoming stressed by the heat.
Growing Lovage FAQ
Lovage can be grown from seeds or young plants. If starting from seed, sow them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant seedlings outside after the danger of frost has passed, spacing them about 24-36 inches apart.
Lovage needs regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture.
Yes, lovage can be grown in large containers. Choose a container that is at least 12-18 inches in diameter and has good drainage. Ensure the container receives adequate sunlight and water regularly.
Lovage can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 3-6 feet (1-2 meters). It’s a good idea to plant it in a spot where it has plenty of room to spread out.
Lovage leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season, typically starting in late spring or early summer. Cut the leaves as needed, and they will continue to grow back. The seeds can be harvested in late summer or early fall.
Yes, lovage can be propagated by dividing the root clumps in early spring or fall. Gently dig up the plant, separate the roots, and replant them in a new location.
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