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When to Plant Lovage in Potter 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.

Potter County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 141 days.

At an elevation of 156 feet, Potter County receives approximately 47.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84ยฐF, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Potter County, PA (Zone 5a) Short season
141 days
Last Spring Frost May 17
141 growing days
First Fall Frost October 5

Potter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (4 days to spare)
Transplant: May 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Sep 26
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (1 days to spare)
Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Oct 4
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Transplant: Jun 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 16 – Oct 18

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
1.4″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Lovage needs ~1,040 GDD — county provides 1,833 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Potter County, PA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 โ€“ Jun 7
Harvest August 2 Aug 2 โ€“ Oct 4

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 Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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

141 days

Growing Tips for Potter 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 Potter County, PA?

Potter County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Potter County, PA?

Potter County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 5.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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