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When to Plant Lovage in DeKalb 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.

DeKalb County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.

At an elevation of 323 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 50.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, 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.

DeKalb County, GA (Zone 7b) Long season
236 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
236 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

DeKalb County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (98 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (96 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Aug 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 26 – Aug 28

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 264 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lovage needs ~1,640 GDD — county provides 4,838 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” DeKalb County, GA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ Apr 12
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Aug 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
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

236 days

Growing Tips for DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, GA?

DeKalb County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is DeKalb County, GA?

DeKalb County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help DeKalb 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 DeKalb County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.