garden
Lovage
Overview
A towering perennial herb that tastes like intensely concentrated celery — just one plant provides enough seasoning for a household. Lovage can grow 6 feet tall and has been used in European cooking and medicine since the time of Charlemagne, who ordered it planted in all imperial gardens. Every part is useful: leaves, stalks, seeds, and roots.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7
Soil TypeDeep, rich, moist, well-drained soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant in spring; perennial to zone 3; grows 4-6 feet tall |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | May — Sep | Harvest leaves, stems, and seeds; celery-like flavor |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; one plant is plenty for most gardens |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Apr — Oct | Cut leaves as needed; hollow stems can be used as straws |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in early spring; give it space — reaches 6 feet |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Mar — Nov | Harvest throughout season; seeds in late summer |
| Moderate (5-7) | Divide | Mar — Apr | Divide every 3-4 years; replant divisions immediately |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Feb — Mar | Plant in late winter; may go dormant in summer heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Feb — May | Harvest in spring before summer dormancy |
| Hot (10+) | Transplant | Nov — Dec | Plant in fall; part shade essential; may not persist |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Apr (wraps) | Harvest during cool season |
Uses
Culinary
- Leaves used like celery in soups, stocks, and stews
- Hollow stems used as straws for Bloody Marys and savory drinks
- Seeds used in bread, biscuits, and spice blends
Medicinal
- Traditional diuretic and kidney tonic
- Carminative for gas and bloating
- Root decoction used historically for sore throats
Other Uses
- Dramatic architectural perennial herb
- Attracts beneficial insects including parasitic wasps
