When to Plant Lovage in Riley 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.
Riley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 551 feet, Riley County receives approximately 32.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Riley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lovage Planting Timeline — Riley County, KS
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Sep 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
184 days
Growing Tips for Riley 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
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Riley County, KS?
Riley County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Riley County, KS?
Riley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Riley County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.