Species lovage

lovage

Levisticum officinale

Also Known As - garden lovage
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb with a flavor reminiscent of celery. Though its taste is similar to celery, it is stronger and sweeter. The leaves, shoots, and stems can be eaten and used as seasoning. Lovage can be used fresh or dried and often used a substitute for celery in soups, casseroles and sauces. Its yellow flowers may be used in salads or steeped in hot water and enjoyed as a tea. Lovage is native to southern Europe and grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish-yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

green,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Lovage likes to be kept consistently moist. Water it deeply once a week during the growing season and every 2 weeks in winter. Adding water slowly to the soil so it penetrates to the root system is best. If the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings, you may need to water more often. Check the soil with your finger and if it feels dry 1 inch below the surface, it is time to water. Keep the lovage bed mulched to help retain moisture.

sunlight

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The type of light a lovage plant receives is very important because too little light can cause the plant to become weak and leggy. Lovage should be planted in areas that get direct sunlight for at least 4 to 6 hours per day and partial shade for the remaining hours. When in full sun, the lovage plants should be monitored closely and given plenty of water to keep them from drying out. If lovage plants become too dry, their growth can be stunted or halted. In hot climates, partial shade during the hottest hours of the day can help to protect the plants from wilting and promote better growth.

pruning

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) should be pruned annually to remove any dead or damaged foliage and branches, and promote fresh and healthy regrowth. Prune in late winter or early spring, as soon as the worst of the winter weather has passed. Cut back the tallest stems to a height of around a third of their former length. This will encourage branching lower down and will keep the plant bushy and prevent it from growing too leggy. To encourage dense foliage, remove some of the oldest stems at the base of the plant to allow space for new stems and foliage. Regular pruning also helps to contain the size of the plant and will keep it looking neat and tidy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Levisticum officinale (lovage) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Lovage typically starts flowering in June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Levisticum officinale (lovage) typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map