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When to Plant Lovage in Siskiyou 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.

Siskiyou County, California is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.

At an elevation of 251 feet, Siskiyou County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Lovage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Siskiyou County, CA (Zone 7a) Short season
139 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
139 growing days
First Fall Frost October 1

Siskiyou County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

6-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 23
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 2
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 25 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Nov 5

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,040 GDD — county provides 1,807 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Siskiyou County, CA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Oct 2

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 Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

139 days

Growing Tips for Siskiyou 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 Siskiyou County, CA?

Siskiyou County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Siskiyou County, CA?

Siskiyou County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 1.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Siskiyou County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Siskiyou County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.