When to Plant Lovage in Malheur 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.
Malheur County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 2,676 feet, Malheur County receives approximately 17.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lovage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Malheur County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Malheur County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.3) is more acidic than Lovage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Malheur County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lovage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.6%) — Lovage will thrive.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 01 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Lovage Planting Timeline — Malheur County, OR
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 8 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Malheur County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Malheur County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after May 18 in Malheur County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Malheur County receives only 18" of rain annually. Lovage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Malheur County, OR?
Malheur County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Malheur County, OR?
Malheur County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Malheur County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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