Lovage Planting Guide
Lovage is a large perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that can grow 4-6 feet tall. All parts are edible including the leaves, stems, seeds, and roots.
Levisticum officinale · Herb · Apiaceae family · 70–90 days to maturity
Where Can You Grow Lovage?
Lovage Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Lovage planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | — | — | May 22 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 |
| Zone 3b | — | — | May 17 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 |
| Zone 4a | — | — | May 13 | Jul 22 – Sep 23 |
| Zone 4b | — | — | May 8 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 2 | Jul 11 – Sep 12 |
| Zone 5b | — | — | Apr 25 | Jul 4 – Sep 5 |
| Zone 6a | — | — | Apr 17 | Jun 26 – Aug 28 |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 10 | Jun 19 – Aug 21 |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 1 | Jun 10 – Aug 12 |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Mar 25 | Jun 3 – Aug 5 |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 15 | May 24 – Jul 26 |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 4 | May 13 – Jul 15 |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Soil pH
6 – 7
Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 8b
Growing Tips
Start seeds indoors or direct sow in spring. One plant is usually enough for a family. Harvest outer stems and leaves as needed. Divide clumps every 3-4 years.
Saving Lovage Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Level Up Your Garden
Lovage by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Lovage?
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) takes 70 to 90 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Lovage grow in?
Lovage can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Lovage need?
Growing Lovage requires Partial Shade (3-6 hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.