Lovage

Scientific Name

Levisticum officinale

Description

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family, which also includes carrots, celery, and parsley. Originating from Europe, it thrives in a variety of climates and is often cultivated in kitchen gardens for its aromatic leaves, stems, and seeds.

Reaching a height of up to 6 feet (1.8 meters), lovage features tall, hollow stems and large, dark green, deeply lobed leaves that resemble those of celery. The plant produces small, umbrella-shaped clusters of yellow-green flowers during the summer months, which can attract beneficial insects like pollinators.

Lovage is noted for its strong, celery-like flavor and is used both culinary and medicinally. The leaves can be harvested fresh and used in salads, soups, and stocks, providing a unique taste that enhances many dishes. The leaves can also be dried for later use. Additionally, the seeds and roots have traditional medicinal applications, believed to have diuretic and digestive benefits.

This hardy plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. It requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, but is generally easy to maintain. Lovage can be started from seeds or by transplants, and due to its size, it’s best suited for larger garden spaces or as a border plant.

In summary, lovage is a versatile and flavorful herb that adds depth to culinary creations while being relatively easy to cultivate in a home garden setting.

Where it Grows

When to Plant

When to Plant Lovage

Understanding The Plant: Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb known for its celery-like flavor and aromatic leaves. It thrives in a variety of garden settings, adding both culinary and ornamental value.

Optimal Planting Time: The timing for planting lovage generally depends on your growing zone, but as a general rule, lovage can be planted in the spring or fall.

1. Spring Planting:

   • Timing: In most climates, you should aim to plant lovage in early spring, about 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives the plant a head start as it begins to grow actively with the warming of the soil.
   • Soil Temperature: Lovage prefers cooler temperatures, so make sure the soil is around 50°F (10°C) when you plant.

2. Fall Planting:

   • Timing: If you prefer to plant in the fall, you can do so about 4-6 weeks before the ground freezes. This allows the lovage to establish some roots before the winter, which can lead to earlier growth in the spring.
   • Consideration: Ensure that you provide some mulch to protect the young plants from frost and extreme winter conditions.

Location Considerations:

• Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Lovage does well in rich, moist, well-draining soil. If your soil is particularly poor, consider amending it with compost before planting.
• Spacing is important; allow at least 18-24 inches between plants as lovage can grow quite large, reaching heights of 3-6 feet.

Seed versus Transplanting:

• Lovage can be grown from seed or purchased as a young plant. If planting from seed, start indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost for early growth, or directly in the garden once the danger of frost has passed.

Indicator for Planting:

• A practical indicator to go by is observing nature. Once you see signs of spring, like budding trees or the first crocuses blooming, it's time to think about planting your lovage.

By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your lovage has the best chance of thriving, resulting in a bountiful herb garden!

How to Plant

Planting Lovage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb known for its aromatic leaves, which resemble parsley and have a flavor reminiscent of celery. Planting lovage can be rewarding for any amateur gardener.

1. Choose the Right Location: Lovage prefers a sunny or partially shaded spot in the garden. Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is ideal. Make sure the site has adequate space, as it can grow up to 6 feet tall and spread widely.

2. Prepare the Soil: Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0).

3. Planting Seeds or Seedlings: If starting from seeds, sow them indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden after the frost. Press seeds lightly into the soil and cover them with about ¼ inch of soil. If using seedlings, space them 18 to 24 inches apart.

4. Watering and Care: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Lovage can benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

By following these steps, you can establish a thriving lovage plant that will enhance your culinary endeavors for many seasons.

Watering

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) thrives in consistently moist soil, so a steady watering strategy is essential for optimal growth. When establishing your lovage, water deeply and thoroughly to encourage root development, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy. The best approach is to check the top inch of soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.

In hot summer months, lovage may require more frequent watering. Consider applying mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. If grown in containers, ensure proper drainage holes and adjust the watering schedule more frequently due to faster drying. Monitoring the plant's response to watering will help fine-tune your approach, with an emphasis on keeping the soil consistently moist while preventing excess water accumulation.

Pruning

Pruning Lovage, a robust perennial herb, is essential for maintaining its health and promoting lush growth. The best strategy involves two key periods: early spring and after flowering. In early spring, before new growth begins, cut back any dead or damaged stems to ground level, encouraging fresh shoots. This rejuvenation helps the plant remain vibrant and bushy.

During the growing season, you can also selectively prune leaves to harvest for culinary use, which stimulates new leaf production. Once flowering starts, deadheading spent flowers will not only keep the plant tidy but also direct energy back into foliage rather than seed production. If the plant becomes too large or overextended, consider trimming back one-third of the plant to maintain its shape and vigor. Always use clean, sharp shears to prevent disease and encourage quick healing. Regular pruning ensures a healthy and productive Lovage plant throughout its growing cycle.

Weeding

Weeding around a lovage plant requires a careful and strategic approach to avoid disturbing its roots. Start by assessing the area around the plant and identifying the weeds. The best time to weed is after a rainfall or watering, as the soil is softer, making it easier to remove weeds along with their roots. Use a hand tool, like a weeding fork or hoe, to gently loosen the soil around the weeds. Grasp the weeds at the base and pull them out slowly to minimize soil disturbance. It's essential to be cautious not to damage the lovage’s roots, which can be close to the surface. Mulching around the lovage can also help suppress weed growth and retain soil moisture, making future weeding easier. Regular maintenance and monitoring of weeds will contribute to the healthy growth of your lovage plant.

Mulching

Mulching a Lovage plant effectively enhances moisture retention, suppresses weeds, and can regulate soil temperature. To begin, select an organic mulch such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, which will break down over time and enrich the soil. Apply the mulch in the spring, once the soil has warmed and the Lovage begins to show new growth. Spread a layer approximately 2 to 4 inches thick around the base of the plant, ensuring to keep it a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot. It's essential to replenish the mulch annually, as it decomposes, maintaining its effectiveness. Regularly check the mulch layer for any signs of compaction, and fluff it up if needed to allow for good air circulation. This strategy not only supports the plant's health but also encourages a vibrant growing environment throughout the growing season.

Fertilizing

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a vigorous perennial herb that flourishes in rich, well-draining soil. The best strategy for fertilizing lovage involves both pre-planting and ongoing care. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance nutrient levels and drainage. Once established, lovage benefits from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring when new growth appears. Opt for a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., a 10-10-10 formula), typically used at a rate of about one pound per 100 square feet. During the growing season, regular applications of liquid organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract, can support lush foliage and growth. It’s essential to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush growth at the expense of flavor. Maintaining consistent watering will also support optimal nutrient uptake.

Varieties

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb known for its aromatic leaves and stalks that resemble those of celery. While there are not many distinct varieties of lovage in cultivation, several cultivars and related species have emerged that offer variations in flavor, appearance, and growth habit. The most common varieties of lovage include:

1. Common Lovage: This is the standard form of the plant, known for its tall growth, reaching up to 6 feet. It is characterized by large, glossy, dark green leaves and has a strong flavor reminiscent of celery, making it popular in culinary uses.

2. Golden Lovage: A cultivar that features yellow-green foliage, Golden Lovage offers an attractive, ornamental twist to the traditional plant. It can serve as both a culinary herb and a decorative addition to herb gardens.

3. Dwarf Lovage: This variety grows shorter, typically reaching heights of around 2 to 3 feet. Dwarf Lovage is practical for smaller gardens or container planting while still providing the same distinctive flavor.

4. Flavored Lovage: Certain strains have been cultivated for their particularly aromatic leaves, which can enhance culinary dishes with a more intense flavor. These strains are selected for their essential oil content, making them a favorite among chefs.

5. Sweet Lovage: While not a distinct species, this term may refer to lovage plants that have been selected for sweeter flavors in their foliage, appealing to those who prefer milder herb tastes.

Lovage plants thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and their roots can sometimes be harvested for additional flavoring in cooking. In addition to these varieties, lovage is appreciated not just for its culinary uses but also for its ability to attract beneficial insects to the garden. Overall, lovage adds a robust flavor and striking presence to herbaceous borders and kitchen gardens alike.

Nutritional Composition (per 100g)

Nutrient	Amount per 100g	% Daily Value
Calories	70	4%
Protein	4.5 g	9%
Total Fat	0.3 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	1%
Carbohydrates	13.0 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	3.0 g	12%
Sugars	1.2 g	-
Vitamin A	3370 IU	67%
Vitamin C	50 mg	83%
Calcium	120 mg	12%
Iron	1.6 mg	9%
Potassium	800 mg	23%
Magnesium	40 mg	10%

Health Benefits

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb that has been valued for its culinary and medicinal properties for centuries. Its leaves, seeds, and roots are commonly used to enhance flavor in soups, stews, and other dishes, but its health benefits extend far beyond the kitchen. Traditionally, lovage has been used to support digestive health, thanks to its carminative properties that may alleviate bloating and gas. The herb is rich in essential oils, which can also aid in stimulating appetite.

In herbal medicine, lovage is often celebrated for its potential diuretic effects, promoting increased urine production and helping to flush toxins from the body. This diuretic property may assist in managing water retention and supporting kidney health. Additionally, lovage has been employed to relieve respiratory issues, as it can help clear mucus from the airways.

Beyond its physical health benefits, lovage is also believed to have calming properties, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. While more research is needed to fully validate these claims, lovage remains a cherished herb in both culinary traditions and natural wellness practices. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to any garden devoted to health and well-being.

Fun Facts

• Lovage (Levisticum officinale) is a perennial herb that can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it one of the largest herbs in the garden.
• Its leaves have a flavor profile similar to that of celery, which is why it’s often used as a seasoning in soups, stews, and salads.
• Lovage has been cultivated since ancient times and was highly valued in medieval gardens, not just for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties, including digestive aid.
• The plant produces small yellow flowers in summer, which are attractive to beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, supporting overall garden health.
• Lovage can thrive in a variety of soil types but prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, making it an adaptable choice for different garden environments.