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When to Plant Lovage in Montgomery County, NY

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.

Montgomery County, New York is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.

At an elevation of 819 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 45.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Montgomery County, NY (Zone 5a) Moderate season
161 days
Last Spring Frost May 4
161 growing days
First Fall Frost October 12

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (21 days to spare)
Transplant: May 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 20 – Sep 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (17 days to spare)
Transplant: May 31 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Oct 11

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
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~980 GDD — county provides 1,972 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Montgomery County, NY

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 11 May 11 โ€“ May 25
Harvest July 20 Jul 20 โ€“ Sep 21

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 โ€”
July Harvest
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 5a

Growing Season

161 days

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, NY?

Montgomery County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, NY?

Montgomery County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 12.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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