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When to Plant Lovage in Chautauqua County, KS

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.

Chautauqua County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 890 feet, Chautauqua County receives approximately 20.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Chautauqua County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Chautauqua County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (60 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 25 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (61 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 10

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
0.4″/week
You supply
0.7″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,192 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 2,736 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Chautauqua County, KS

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 โ€“ Aug 27

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 6b

Growing Season

199 days

Growing Tips for Chautauqua 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 Chautauqua County, KS?

Chautauqua County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chautauqua County, KS?

Chautauqua County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Chautauqua County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Chautauqua County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.