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When to Plant Lovage in Susquehanna 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.

Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 1,094 feet, Susquehanna County receives approximately 49.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Susquehanna County, PA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost May 1
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Susquehanna County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Transplant: May 4 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Transplant: May 8 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (28 days to spare)
Transplant: May 24 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Oct 4

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 ~1,100 GDD — county provides 2,310 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline โ€” Susquehanna County, PA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 โ€“ May 22
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Sep 18

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

168 days

Growing Tips for Susquehanna 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 Susquehanna County, PA?

Susquehanna County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Susquehanna County, PA?

Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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