Introduction to Growing Lovage at Home
If you’ve ever wondered how to grow lovage, you’re about to discover one of the best-kept secrets in the herb garden. Lovage is a tall, leafy perennial with a bold celery-like flavor, often described as a cross between celery and parsley. Its leaves, stems, and even seeds can add vibrant, savory notes to soups, salads, stews, and homemade stocks.
With its robust growth and low maintenance needs, lovage is the perfect choice for beginner gardeners looking to add a versatile, hardy herb to their collection. Unlike more delicate herbs, lovage thrives with minimal fuss and can withstand most weather conditions, making it a forgiving first plant for anyone new to gardening.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate lovage at home—from choosing the best location and preparing your soil to propagation tips, watering routines, and knowing when to harvest for the freshest flavor. Even if you have limited space or a busy schedule, you’ll learn real-world tips to keep your lovage healthy and productive year after year.
Choosing the Right Lovage Variety and Location
When deciding which lovage variety to grow at home, your choices are refreshingly simple. Most gardeners will encounter Levisticum officinale, the classic culinary variety known for its robust flavor, similar to celery and parsley. This is typically the only type available commercially, and it performs well in home gardens.
When shopping for seeds or starter plants, look for reputable nurseries or suppliers specializing in herbs. Choose fresh seeds since lovage can be slow and uneven to germinate if the seeds are old. Healthy starter plants should be deep green, sturdy, and free of any yellowing or wilting.
Once you have your plants or seeds, focus on providing the right environment. Lovage thrives in a sunny to partially shaded location with at least six hours of direct light per day. It’s not fussy about soil but prefers rich, well-draining ground with plenty of compost worked in. Avoid soggy spots, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
For best results, loosen the soil and mix in organic matter to boost fertility since lovage is a heavy feeder. Garden beds give lovage plenty of room to grow into its full height—often up to six feet—making it ideal for larger plots or the back of a border.
If space is limited, lovage can be grown in containers at least 12–18 inches deep. Just make sure the pot has drainage holes and be diligent with watering, as containers dry out faster. Growing in a pot also makes it easier to move the plant to chase the sun or shelter it from harsh weather.
Whether in a bed or on the patio, with the right variety and growing conditions, lovage adds a unique, aromatic touch to your edible garden.
How to Plant and Sow Lovage
Starting lovage from seed is straightforward, whether you’re planning to sow indoors or directly outside. For indoor sowing, begin about 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost. Fill small seed trays or pots with a light seed-starting mix and scatter seeds thinly over the surface, barely covering them with 1/8 inch (3 mm) of soil. Mist the surface gently to keep it moist but not soggy, and set the tray in a warm spot with indirect light—aim for temperatures around 65–70°F (18–21°C).
Seeds may be slow to sprout, taking 10–21 days, so patience is key. Once seedlings have two true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, harden them off over a week by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. When transplanting to garden beds or containers, choose a location with partial to full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Space plants 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart, as lovage grows quite large.
Gently remove each seedling, keeping root balls intact, and plant them at the same depth they grew in their pots. Water thoroughly after transplanting to help roots settle.
For direct outdoor sowing, wait until after the last frost date. Prepare your garden bed by loosening the top 6 inches (15 cm) of soil. Sow seeds in shallow rows, again just 1/8 inch deep, and cover lightly. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, then thin to the same 24–36 inch spacing.
Direct sowing is fuss-free and avoids transplant shock, but germination can be less reliable, and young seedlings may be outcompeted by weeds. Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start and more control over conditions, but requires extra effort and care during transplanting. Both methods work well, so choose the one that best fits your gardening style.
Essential Care for Healthy Lovage Plants
Caring for lovage starts with a consistent watering schedule—aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as soggy roots can cause rot. Check the top inch of soil regularly; if it’s dry, give your plants a deep watering at the base in the morning. Lovage is a heavy feeder, so fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea to maintain robust growth.
As for soil care, lovage thrives best in rich, well-drained earth amended with compost or aged manure before planting. Don’t overlook mulching: apply a two- to three-inch layer of organic mulch like straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings around your lovage. This helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keeps soil temperatures stable—just be sure to keep mulch a couple of inches from the stems to prevent rot.
Lovage grows tall and might flop over without support, especially in windy areas. Staking with bamboo canes or sturdy branches can keep stems upright; loosely tie the plant to the stake using soft garden twine. If your lovage becomes too bushy or top-heavy, regular pruning of spent stems and flowers encourages new growth and helps maintain a tidy shape.
Avoid the common mistake of letting it dry out in summer heat, which can stress the plant and stunt its growth. Don’t over-fertilize either—excessive feeding causes lush but weak stems prone to toppling. Lastly, resist the urge to pack mulch tightly against the base, as this invites pests and disease. With these simple habits, your lovage patch can stay vibrant and productive season after season.
Pruning, Training, and Harvesting Lovage
Pruning lovage is key to encouraging bushier, healthier plants and preventing them from getting leggy. Start pruning when your plants reach about a foot tall—snip back the top few inches of new growth using clean shears. This promotes side shoots, resulting in a fuller plant.
Throughout the growing season, regularly remove flower stalks as soon as they appear. Flowering can reduce leaf flavor and shift the plant’s energy away from leafy growth.
Since lovage can grow quite large—sometimes up to six feet—support may be needed. Consider staking tall plants with bamboo canes or using garden twine to gently tether individual stems, especially in windy spots or if your plant is top-heavy.
For harvesting, the best time is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. This timing ensures the essential oils—and therefore the flavor—are at their peak. Use sharp scissors to cut the outer stems and leaves, leaving the inner ones to keep growing for a steady supply throughout the season. Avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress.
To store harvested lovage, wash the leaves and pat them dry. Then, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place inside a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, chop and freeze the leaves in ice cube trays with a little water for quick, easy additions to soups and stews later on.
Common Problems and Companion Planting
Growing lovage is generally straightforward, but you might run into a few common problems like aphids, leaf miners, and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. If you spot clusters of tiny green bugs or curling leaves, you’re likely dealing with aphids—try spraying the plants with a strong jet of water or introducing ladybugs, their natural predator. For leaf miners, snip off affected leaves to halt their spread. When it comes to powdery mildew, increase air circulation by spacing plants adequately and avoid overhead watering.
Companion planting can be a game-changer for lovage health. Herbs like dill and parsley not only attract beneficial insects that control pests but also encourage stronger growth. Planting nasturtiums nearby will draw aphids away from lovage—a smart, low-effort tactic. On the flip side, keep lovage away from fennel and celery; these compete for similar nutrients and can stunt each other’s growth.
Experimenting with combinations can make your garden more resilient and productive. Don’t be afraid to shuffle your plants and observe what works best—sometimes, a subtle shift can mean fewer pests and a happier herb patch. Companion planting isn’t an exact science, but paying attention to how plants interact helps you learn what your unique garden needs.
Conclusion and Quick Tips for Success
Growing thriving lovage starts with choosing the right spot—somewhere sunny with well-drained soil—and giving your plants plenty of room to grow, as they can get quite tall and bushy. Begin with seeds or young plants in early spring, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and regularly trim the leaves to encourage bushier growth.
Don’t worry if your lovage doesn’t take off right away; be patient and give it time to establish. For first-time growers, starting with one or two plants in a small herb bed or container is a great way to learn without feeling overwhelmed.
Practical Tips
- Mulch to lock in moisture.
- Harvest leaves in the morning for the best flavor.
- Clip flower stalks early if you want to encourage more leaf production.
While pests and diseases are rare with lovage, keep an eye out for aphids and treat them with a mild soap spray if needed. For deeper learning and troubleshooting, books like The Herb Gardener’s Essential Guide or resources from local cooperative extensions can be very helpful.
With a little care and patience, your lovage will reward you with years of hearty, aromatic harvests for both your kitchen and garden.