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When to Plant Lovage in Whitley 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.

Whitley County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.

At an elevation of 584 feet, Whitley County receives approximately 32.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Whitley County, IN (Zone 5b) Moderate season
172 days
Last Spring Frost April 27
172 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Whitley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 8 – Sep 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 14
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (26 days to spare)
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 30

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 771 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~980 GDD — county provides 2,107 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Whitley County, IN

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 4 May 4 โ€“ May 18
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Sep 14

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 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

172 days

Growing Tips for Whitley 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 Whitley County, IN?

Whitley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Whitley County, IN?

Whitley County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 16.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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