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When to Plant Lovage in Mason 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.

Mason County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.

At an elevation of 1,318 feet, Mason County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Mason County, MI (Zone 5b) Short season
145 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
145 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Mason County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (6 days to spare)
Transplant: May 15 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Sep 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 2
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 14 – Oct 16

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
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 5 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,100 GDD — county provides 1,993 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Mason County, MI

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 โ€“ Jun 5
Harvest July 31 Jul 31 โ€“ Oct 2

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 5b

Growing Season

145 days

Growing Tips for Mason 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 Mason County, MI?

Mason County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mason County, MI?

Mason County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 7.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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