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When to Plant Lovage in Crawford County, MI

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.

Crawford County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.

At an elevation of 894 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Crawford County, MI (Zone 4b) Short season
130 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
130 growing days
First Fall Frost September 29

Crawford County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage

Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lovage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 2.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" โœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Oct โ€” 2.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 2.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mayโ€“Sep in Crawford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Crawford County, MI

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 29 May 29 โ€“ Jun 12
Harvest August 7 Aug 7 โ€“ Oct 9

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 Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

70โ€“90 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

130 days in Crawford County

Growing Tips for Crawford 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Crawford County, MI?

Crawford County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crawford County, MI?

Crawford County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 29.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Crawford County gardeners in Zone 4b 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.

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