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When to Plant Lovage in Thomas 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.

Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 165 days.

At an elevation of 810 feet, Thomas County receives approximately 26.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Thomas County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
165 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
165 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Thomas 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 (24 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (22 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 1

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
0.7″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 578 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Lovage needs ~1,280 GDD — county provides 2,640 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Thomas County, KS

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 21
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Sep 17

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

165 days

Growing Tips for Thomas 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 Thomas County, KS?

Thomas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Thomas County, KS?

Thomas County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 12.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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