Lovage Plants In The Garden - Tips On Growing Lovage

Growing lovage requires soil with a pH of 6.5 and sandy, loamy soils. Lovage plants are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 4. Determining when to plant lovage is the first step in growing the herb. Direct sow lovage seed indoors five to six weeks before the date of the last frost.

1. Does Lovage come back every year?
2. How do you care for a lovage plant?
3. When should I prune Lovage?
4. Will lovage grow in shade?
5. What is a substitute for Lovage?
6. What is Lovage good for?
7. How do you harvest and use Lovage?
8. How do you divide lovage plants?
9. How long does Lovage take to grow?
10. What does Lovage look like?
11. Can I freeze Lovage?
12. How do you find lovage?

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.

How do you care for a lovage plant?

Plant lovage in a part to full sun location. It does best in full sun, but it can tolerate a few hours of shade during the day, particularly in warmer growing zones. The soil should be well-drained with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.5. It prefers sandy, loamy soil.

When should I prune Lovage?

Trim plants in summer to encourage a flush of new shoots. Plants will turn back and start to die back in autumn. At this time, cut stems back to just above ground level. Large clumps can be divided in the spring.

Will lovage grow in shade?

Lovage prefers full sun to light shade and a rich, moisture-laden, organic soil. Before you plant, consider how much space can be devoted to growing this attractive herb. Mature plants will reach 4 to 7 feet tall, which makes it the perfect backdrop for any garden. Grows well in large containers, too!

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.

How do you harvest and use Lovage?

How to Harvest Lovage

1. Leaves and stalks: Snip or pinch off outside stalks and leaves as needed for fresh use anytime during the growing season. ...
2. Roots: Harvest two or three-year-old lovage roots with a garden fork just before flowering. ...
3. Seeds: Harvest entire ripe seeds heads in late summer.

How do you divide lovage plants?

When dividing in fall, cut back any remaining stems. With a spade, cut a circle around the plant. Then the plant can be gently lifted out with a garden fork. Remove all excess dirt from the roots, and pull them apart.

How long does Lovage take to grow?

Lovage will reach its mature size in about three years. One plant is usually sufficient, but it's a good idea to start a new plant every few years. At maturity, lovage will need a 3-foot (90 cm) square space.

What does Lovage look like?

Lovage has sturdy, hollow stems, leaves that look like large Italian flat-leaf parsley and greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by golden-brown seed pods. It's a member of the Umbelliferae family, which includes carrots, parsnips, parsley and celery.

Can I freeze Lovage?

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

How do you find lovage?

Lovage grows from a thick, fleshy root that resembles a carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus). The root is grayish brown on the outside and whitish inside, reaching lengths of between 5 to 6 inches. Along with all other parts of the plant, including the stems, flowers and leaves, the root is intensely aromatic.