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When to Plant Lovage in Tippecanoe County, IN

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.

Tippecanoe County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.

At an elevation of 869 feet, Tippecanoe County receives approximately 38.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Tippecanoe County, IN (Zone 5b) Moderate season
177 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
177 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Tippecanoe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 1 – Sep 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 20

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 181 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Lovage needs ~1,100 GDD — county provides 2,433 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Tippecanoe County, IN

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 โ€“ May 13
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 โ€“ Sep 9

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 Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

177 days

Growing Tips for Tippecanoe 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 Tippecanoe County, IN?

Tippecanoe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tippecanoe County, IN?

Tippecanoe County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Tippecanoe County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Tippecanoe County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.