When to Plant Lovage in St. Clair 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.
St. Clair County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 1,065 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
St. Clair County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lovage Planting Timeline — St. Clair County, MI
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
183 days
Growing Tips for St. Clair 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
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in St. Clair County, MI?
St. Clair County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Clair County, MI?
St. Clair County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help St. Clair County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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