How to Grow Lovage: Planting, Spacing, Care & Harvest

Quick answer

Start indoors 6–8 weeks before outdoor transplant after frost (OK HLA-6037). Transplant after last spring frost (OK/Purdue). NC State Low poison severity.

Lovage at a glance

PlantStart indoors: 8–6 wk before last frost; Transplant: last frost
SunNC: moist well-drained deep fertile soil; full sun to part shade.
SpacingOK table: spacing 6–8 inches; height 48–72 inches — give this perennial room.
Days to harvestPerennial; harvest leaves as needed (Illinois)
-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1LF+1+2+3
■ Start indoors   ■ Plant out   ■ Harvest
Weeks relative to last frost (LF). Colored weeks show when our ZIP planner schedules each step.
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Updated

Planting dates for your ZIP: the ZIP planting planner counts each window from your local frost dates.

Organic pests and diseases: see also organic pest control. Use any product as the label directs.

Safety: NC State poison severity Low for Levisticum officinale — can increase urination if eaten in quantity. Culinary herb in normal food amounts. (NC State lovage)

Lovage plant
Lovage (Levisticum officinale). Photo: 4028mdk09, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized).

Planting timing

Oklahoma Extension HLA-6037: lovage planting time after last spring frost; most herb seeds “can be started … or six to eight weeks before transplanting outdoors after the last spring frost.” Spacing 6–8 inches; height 48–72 inches. (OK HLA-6037) Purdue Savory Herbs: transplant when 3 to 6 inches high, “after all danger of frost has passed.” (Purdue Savory Herbs) Illinois: seed or division in spring or fall. (Illinois lovage)

Depth and spacing

OK table: spacing 6–8 inches; height 48–72 inches — give this perennial room.

Sun, soil and water

NC: moist well-drained deep fertile soil; full sun to part shade.

Care

Cut leaves as needed; divide mature clumps. Celery-like flavor in soups and stews.

Harvest

Harvest leaves and young stems; flavor is strong — use sparingly.

Pests and diseases

Few serious problems when well-sited; drainage and airflow first.

Related: celery · ZIP planner · organic pest control

Frequently asked questions

When do I start indoors?

6–8 weeks before outdoor transplant after frost (OK).

When outside?

After last spring frost (OK/Purdue).

Safe to eat?

Culinary herb; NC lists Low severity if eaten in quantity.

More grow guides: All grow guides

Sources