How to Grow Lovage: Expert Tips for a Thriving Plant!
If you’re looking to add a hardy, flavorful herb to your garden, lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a must-try. Known for its unique, celery-like flavor, lovage is a versatile herb that can elevate everything from soups to salads. But how exactly do you grow lovage to ensure it thrives year after year?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for lovage, including the best planting tips, soil requirements, and how to harvest this incredible herb for the best flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, learn how to grow lovage and enjoy its benefits in your culinary creations.
Table of Contents
Why Grow Lovage?
Lovage offers a unique blend of benefits that set it apart from other herbs. Its impressive height-reaching up to six feet-makes it a striking focal point in the garden, while its lush, glossy leaves provide a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. The flavor profile is reminiscent of celery but with a deeper, more complex note that enhances a wide range of dishes. Lovage’s seeds and stems are also edible, adding further value. Once established, this perennial requires little attention, reliably returning each spring with even more vigor. Its resilience, productivity, and multi-purpose use make it a must-have for anyone serious about homegrown herbs.
Getting Started: Choosing the Right Location
Sunlight Requirements
Lovage thrives best when planted in a spot that receives abundant sunlight. Aim for a location that gets at least six hours of direct sun each day, as this will promote strong, healthy growth and abundant foliage. In regions with intense summer heat, a position that offers some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch and maintain optimal leaf quality. If your garden is partially shaded, don’t worry-lovage is adaptable and will still grow, though it may not reach its full potential in less light.
Soil Preferences
For lovage to flourish, the soil must be both fertile and well-draining. Sandy or loamy soils enriched with organic matter like compost or aged manure are ideal. Before planting, work the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches, breaking up clumps and removing stones to encourage deep root growth. Lovage prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay, consider amending it with sand and organic matter or planting lovage in raised beds to improve drainage and root health.
Spacing
Proper spacing is crucial for healthy lovage plants. Each plant should be given at least 18 to 24 inches of space in all directions, as mature lovage can form a substantial clump up to three feet wide. This generous spacing ensures good air circulation, reduces the risk of disease, and allows each plant to access sufficient nutrients and water. If you’re growing lovage in a mixed border or herb garden, be mindful that its size may overshadow smaller neighboring plants, so plan your layout accordingly.
Planting Lovage
Starting from Seed
Growing lovage from seed is straightforward, but patience is required, as germination can be slow. Begin by sowing seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before your last expected frost. Use seed trays or small pots filled with a light, seed-starting mix. Sow seeds thinly and cover with a fine layer of soil, as lovage seeds need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the trays in a warm, bright spot. Germination can take two to three weeks. Once seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves and the outdoor soil has warmed, harden them off gradually before transplanting. Alternatively, seeds can be sown directly outdoors in spring or autumn, though thinning will be necessary to prevent overcrowding.
Transplanting Young Plants
When transplanting lovage, timing and preparation are key. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your young plant, and gently remove it from its pot, taking care not to disturb the roots. Place the plant in the hole so that the crown sits at soil level, then backfill and firm the soil gently around the base. Water thoroughly to settle the roots and help the plant establish. In the first few weeks after transplanting, keep the soil consistently moist and protect young plants from strong winds or heavy rain, which can damage delicate stems.
Growing in Containers
Lovage can be grown successfully in containers, provided you choose a large enough pot-ideally at least 30 to 40 centimeters wide and deep. Use a high-quality, peat-free compost mixed with some perlite or grit for drainage. Place the container in a sunny location, and make sure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Container-grown lovage will need more frequent watering and feeding than garden-grown plants, as nutrients are depleted faster in pots. Regularly check moisture levels, and top-dress with compost or a slow-release organic fertilizer in spring to keep your lovage thriving.
Caring for Lovage
Watering
Consistent moisture is essential for lush, flavorful lovage. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and temperature, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to prevent the plant from wilting or developing bitter-tasting leaves. Mulching around the base of the plant with organic material such as straw, leaf mold, or compost will help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce weed competition. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant.
Feeding
Although lovage is not a heavy feeder, providing it with the right nutrients will encourage robust growth and high yields. In early spring, apply a generous layer of well-rotted compost or a balanced organic fertilizer around the base of the plant. If you notice pale or stunted growth during the season, side-dress with an all-purpose fertilizer or liquid feed every four to six weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of flavor concentration and seed production.
Mulching
Mulching is a simple yet highly effective way to support your lovage plants. Apply a thick, two to three-inch layer of organic mulch-such as shredded leaves, straw, or bark chips-around the base of the plant in early spring. This not only conserves soil moisture and suppresses weeds but also gradually adds nutrients as the mulch breaks down. In colder climates, an extra layer of mulch in late autumn will help protect the roots from freezing temperatures and ensure a strong return in spring.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular maintenance will keep your lovage healthy and productive. Harvest young leaves frequently throughout the growing season to stimulate new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. If the plant starts to flower, pinch off flower stalks to prolong leaf production and maintain a compact shape. In late summer or early autumn, cut back any old or damaged stems to just above ground level. This tidying up not only improves the plant’s appearance but also reduces overwintering pests and diseases. Each spring, remove any remaining dead foliage to make way for fresh, vigorous shoots.
Weeding and Pest Protection
Young lovage plants are particularly vulnerable to competition from weeds, which can quickly crowd them out and steal valuable nutrients. Keep the area around your plants weed-free with regular hand-weeding or by applying mulch. Slugs and snails are the main pests to watch out for, especially during wet weather. Protect seedlings by using organic barriers such as crushed eggshells or copper tape, or by hand-picking pests in the evening. As the plant matures, it becomes less susceptible to pest damage, but regular checks are still recommended.
Propagation
Seed Collection and Self-Seeding
Lovage is prolific at self-seeding, often producing new seedlings around the base of mature plants each year. To collect seeds, wait until the flower heads have turned brown and dry in late summer or early autumn. Cut the seed heads and place them in a paper bag to finish drying, then gently shake out the seeds for storage. Store seeds in a cool, dry place until ready to sow. If you prefer to control self-seeding, remove flower heads before they ripen, or transplant volunteer seedlings to new locations in your garden.
Division
Dividing mature lovage plants is a reliable way to propagate new plants and rejuvenate old clumps. In early spring, before new growth begins, use a sharp spade to lift the entire plant from the ground. Gently separate the root mass into smaller sections, each with several healthy shoots and roots. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them as you would new plants. Water thoroughly to help them establish. Division not only creates new plants but also helps maintain the vigor and productivity of older lovage patches.
Harvesting Lovage
Leaves
Begin harvesting lovage leaves sparingly in the first year to allow the plant to establish a strong root system. From the second year onward, you can harvest more generously, especially in spring and early summer when the leaves are most tender and flavorful. Use sharp scissors or garden shears to snip off leaves as needed, always leaving enough foliage for the plant to continue growing. For the best taste, harvest leaves in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
Stalks and Roots
Lovage stalks can be harvested from the second year, once the plant is well established. Cut the thick, celery-like stems at the base and use them fresh or cooked. Roots can be dug up in autumn of the second or third year, washed, and used in soups or as a seasoning. Harvest roots sparingly to avoid weakening the plant, and always leave some roots in the ground to ensure regrowth the following season.
Seeds
Lovage seeds are ready to harvest when the flower heads turn brown and dry in late summer or early autumn. Cut the seed heads and place them upside down in a paper bag to catch the seeds as they fall. Once fully dry, separate the seeds from the chaff and store them in an airtight container. Lovage seeds have a strong, aromatic flavor and can be used as a spice in cooking or baking, adding a unique twist to your favorite recipes.
Culinary Uses for Lovage
Lovage is a versatile herb with a range of culinary applications. The leaves can be finely chopped and added to salads, soups, stews, and potato dishes, imparting a fresh, celery-like flavor with a hint of parsley and anise. The hollow stems can be used as natural straws for savory cocktails like Bloody Marys or chopped and added to stocks and broths for extra depth. Lovage seeds are a flavorful substitute for celery seed in spice blends, pickles, and baked goods. Even the roots can be grated or sliced and used as a pungent seasoning. With so many edible parts, lovage is a true workhorse in the kitchen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Bitter leaves | Maintain consistent soil moisture and harvest leaves before flowering. |
| Weak growth | Improve soil fertility with compost, mulch regularly, and avoid crowding. |
| Pests (slugs/snails) | Use organic deterrents, hand-pick pests, and keep the area weed-free. |
| Self-seeding | Remove seed heads before they mature, or transplant volunteer seedlings. |
Lovage is generally robust, but occasional issues can arise. Bitter leaves are often a sign of drought stress or late-season harvesting; keep soil consistently moist and pick leaves early for the best flavor. Weak or stunted growth usually indicates poor soil or overcrowding-enrich with organic matter and thin plants as needed. Slugs and snails can damage young seedlings but are less of a problem for mature plants. If lovage self-seeds too freely, simply remove unwanted seedlings or deadhead flowers before seeds set.
Expert Tips for Success
- Harvest often to encourage bushier growth and prolong the harvest season. Regular picking keeps the plant producing tender, flavorful leaves.
- Mulch generously in spring and summer to maintain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and feed the soil as organic matter breaks down.
- Plan for size by giving each plant ample space to grow and ensuring good air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
- Share the bounty by dividing mature plants and gifting seedlings to friends or expanding your own herb garden. Lovage’s prolific nature makes it easy to propagate and share.
Final Thoughts
Growing lovage is a rewarding experience for any gardener, offering a continuous supply of flavorful leaves, stems, and seeds with minimal effort. Its perennial nature means you’ll enjoy harvests year after year, while its striking appearance adds height and interest to your garden. With the right care-ample sunlight, rich soil, regular watering, and occasional feeding-lovage will thrive and become a staple in both your kitchen and landscape. Embrace this ancient herb, experiment with its many uses, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own lovage from seed to table.
Start your lovage journey today and discover the rich flavors and easy care that make this herb a standout in any garden!
