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When to Plant Lovage in Washington 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.

Washington County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 277 feet, Washington County receives approximately 50.4 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.

Washington County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 11

Washington County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: May 27 – Jul 29
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (95 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 6 – Aug 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (92 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Jun 24 – Aug 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 208 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,520 GDD — county provides 4,465 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Washington County, GA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 โ€“ Aug 8

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 8a

Growing Season

235 days

Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, GA?

Washington County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Washington County, GA?

Washington County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 11.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Washington County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.