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When to Plant Lovage in Aroostook County, ME

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.

Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.

At an elevation of 314 feet, Aroostook County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Aroostook County, ME (Zone 3b) Short season
129 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
129 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Aroostook County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.9-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 28 – Sep 22
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 25 🍅 Harvest: Aug 3 – Sep 28
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 8 🍅 Harvest: Aug 17 – Oct 12

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~680 GDD — county provides 1,096 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Aroostook County, ME

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jun 8
Harvest August 3 Aug 3 โ€“ Sep 28

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 Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
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 3b

Growing Season

129 days

Growing Tips for Aroostook 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 Aroostook County, ME?

Aroostook County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Aroostook County, ME?

Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Aroostook County gardeners in Zone 3b 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 Aroostook County, ME. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.