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When to Plant Lovage in Iosco 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.

Iosco County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 696 feet, Iosco County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Iosco County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 14
142 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Iosco County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (3 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (2 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 4 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 15

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,280 GDD — county provides 2,272 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Iosco County, MI

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 21 May 21 โ€“ Jun 4
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Oct 1

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 Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5a

Growing Season

142 days

Growing Tips for Iosco 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 Iosco County, MI?

Iosco County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Iosco County, MI?

Iosco County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 3.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Iosco County gardeners in Zone 5a 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 Iosco County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.