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When to Plant Lovage in Butler County, PA

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.

Butler County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 1,098 feet, Butler County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Butler County, PA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 29
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Butler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Transplant: May 6 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 16
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Transplant: May 23 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Oct 3

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
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 68 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,220 GDD — county provides 2,729 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Butler County, PA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 6 May 6 โ€“ May 20
Harvest July 15 Jul 15 โ€“ Sep 16

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 5b

Growing Season

179 days

Growing Tips for Butler 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 Butler County, PA?

Butler County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Butler County, PA?

Butler County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 25.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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