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When to Plant Lovage in Reno 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.

Reno County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 635 feet, Reno County receives approximately 28.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Reno County, KS (Zone 6a) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Reno County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Aug 31
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 2 – Sep 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 749 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Lovage needs ~1,460 GDD — county provides 3,449 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Reno County, KS

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 23 Apr 23 โ€“ May 7
Harvest July 2 Jul 2 โ€“ Sep 3

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 6a

Growing Season

189 days

Growing Tips for Reno 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 Reno County, KS?

Reno County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Reno County, KS?

Reno County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Reno County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Reno County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.