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When to Plant Lovage in Clayton County, GA

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.

Clayton County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.

At an elevation of 136 feet, Clayton County receives approximately 56.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lovage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lovage root diseases.

Clayton County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
220 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
220 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Clayton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (81 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Aug 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (80 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 13 – Aug 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (75 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jul 4 – Sep 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 ~1,520 GDD — county provides 4,180 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Clayton County, GA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 4 Apr 4 โ€“ Apr 18
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 โ€“ Aug 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
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 7b

Growing Season

220 days

Growing Tips for Clayton 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 Clayton County, GA?

Clayton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clayton County, GA?

Clayton County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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