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When to Plant Lovage in Plumas County, CA

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.

Plumas County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.

At an elevation of 1,185 feet, Plumas County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Plumas County, CA (Zone 6b) Short season
141 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
141 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Plumas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 27 – Sep 28
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Oct 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 24 – Oct 26

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 120 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lovage needs ~920 GDD — county provides 1,621 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Plumas County, CA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 27 May 27 โ€“ Jun 10
Harvest August 5 Aug 5 โ€“ Oct 7

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

141 days

Growing Tips for Plumas County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Plumas County, CA?

Plumas County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Plumas County, CA?

Plumas County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Plumas County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Plumas County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.