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When to Plant Lovage in Clatsop County, OR

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.

Clatsop County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 412 feet, Clatsop County receives approximately 54.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lovage root diseases.

Clatsop County, OR (Zone 8b) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 12
206 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Clatsop County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 8 🍅 Harvest: Jun 17 – Aug 19
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 19 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Transplant: May 7 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 17

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 ~1,160 GDD — county provides 2,987 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Clatsop County, OR

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 19 Apr 19 โ€“ May 3
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 โ€“ Aug 30

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

206 days

Growing Tips for Clatsop 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 Clatsop County, OR?

Clatsop County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clatsop County, OR?

Clatsop County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is November 4.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Clatsop County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Clatsop County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.