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When to Plant Lovage in Osborne 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.

Osborne County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.

At an elevation of 608 feet, Osborne County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Osborne County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
174 days
Last Spring Frost April 23
174 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Osborne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Sep 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Sep 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (32 days to spare)
Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Sep 24

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
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 432 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Lovage needs ~1,220 GDD — county provides 2,653 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Osborne County, KS

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 โ€“ May 14
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Sep 10

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

174 days

Growing Tips for Osborne 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 Osborne County, KS?

Osborne County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Osborne County, KS?

Osborne County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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