How to Grow Lovage

Plant in rich, deep, moist soil in sun or partial shade. Lovage is a prolific self seeder. Retain some seedlings if you like, but weed out others to prevent the plants from smothering other plants in the border. Trim plants in summer to encourage a flush of new shoots.

Does Lovage come back every year?
What is the best way to grow lovage?
Is Lovage a perennial?
Is Lovage easy to grow from seed?
What is a substitute for Lovage?
What is Lovage good for?
Is Lovage a good companion plant?
Can you grow lovage from a cutting?
Can I freeze Lovage?
When can I plant Lovage?
Will deer eat lovage?
Can you eat lovage seeds?

Does Lovage come back every year?

How irresistible is that? Two perennial herbs that I wouldn't be without are lovage and sorrel. They come up every year, survive on little attention, and are among the first plants to provide fresh green leaves in spring. They also pack powerful flavors.

What is the best way to grow lovage?

Lovage Growing Guide

Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) ●
Rich soil that retains moisture well.
Full sun in cool climates; partial shade where summers are very hot.
Lovage is a hardy perennial that survives winter even in very cold climates.
Topdress the soil around the dormant plant with rich compost each winter.

Is Lovage a perennial?

A hardy perennial with dark green shoots and a big, bold flavor — tastes like celery! Native to southern Europe and used for centuries, growing lovage (Levisticum officinale) is easy! ... Perennial plants are large — up to 7 feet tall — and very hardy, no trouble to maintain.

Is Lovage easy to grow from seed?

An easy to grow herb, lovage grown from seed should be started in the spring. It can be jump started and sown indoors 6-8 weeks prior to transplanting outside. Lovage seed germination takes 10-14 days.

What is a substitute for Lovage?

Substitute for Lovage

If you don't have lovage you can use equal amounts of fresh Celery leaves. Alternately you can substitute (for 1 cup chopped lovage) 1 cup chopped of fresh Chinese celery OR 1 cup chopped fresh celery stalks.

What is Lovage good for?

Lovage is used as “irrigation therapy” for pain and swelling (inflammation) of the lower urinary tract, for prevention of kidney stones, and to increase the flow of urine when urinary tract infections or fluid retention is present.

Is Lovage a good companion plant?

Lovage has a reputation as a good companion plant for potatoes and other tubers and root crops. Food crops should be arranged in the vegetable garden to form the best alliances and make their growth better and healthier.

Can you grow lovage from a cutting?

Lovage plants have large, vigorous root systems with long, thick taproots. In late fall or early spring, these roots can be dug up to harvest and divide. In spring, dig up plants before they leaf out. When dividing in fall, cut back any remaining stems.

Can I freeze Lovage?

Lovage can be used fresh or stored frozen in sealed bags or dried.

When can I plant Lovage?

Outdoor planting time: Sow lovage seed outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked or sow seed in autumn for germination the following spring. Planting depth: Sow seeds outdoors ½ inch deep. Spacing: Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart; lovage grows in clumps.

Will deer eat lovage?

Lovage is a powerful plant with an amazing aroma and taste. It can be used to flavor all kinds of dessert and lovage ice cream is wonderful! The whole plant is edible from the roots, stalks (used like celery), leaves and flowers. ... Deer and rabbits don't seem to eat it due to the strong aroma.

Can you eat lovage seeds?

How to eat lovage. Like fennel, lovage is an excellent booster of digestion. The seeds and leaves bring the taste of celery to the kitchen—use sparingly because it is strongly aromatic. ... When the seeds are dry, gently thresh them into a bowl and bottle for culinary use.