When to Plant Lovage in USDA Zone 3b
Your May planting checklist for Zone 3b
A quick May briefing for Zone 3b gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Get lovage in the ground
Frost risk is low now in Zone 3b. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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.
In Zone 3b, the average last spring frost is around May 10 and the first fall frost is around September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Zone 3b
Where Is USDA Zone 3b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 3b. Click any state to see the Lovage planting schedule for that location.
Lovage Planting Calendar — Zone 3b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 26 | Jul 26 – Sep 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 3b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 3b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
70–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
°F to °F average annual minimum
Growing Season
135 days (Zone average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Lovage in Zone
Sow every 8 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Lovage in Zone
Zone has a short growing season (~135 days). Start Lovage indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
The Gardener's Encyclopedia to Companion Planting
The pairings that make vegetables, herbs, and flowers grow better — and the ones that quietly wreck a bed.
- Proven pairings for 200+ vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits
- Full seed-starting + planting schedule with timing and spacing
- Bonus: square-foot gardening guide + printable seasonal planners
Saving Lovage Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.
Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Related Plants
Lovage in Other Zones
Lovage by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Zone 3b?
In Zone 3b, plan your Lovage planting around the average last frost date of May 10. Transplant seedlings around May 17.
Can Lovage grow in Zone 3b?
Yes, Lovage can grow well in Zone 3b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Zone 3b has a growing season of approximately 135 days, which is sufficient for Lovage (70-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lovage in Zone 3b?
In Zone 3b, expect to harvest Lovage from July 26 – September 20. Lovage takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 3b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 3b is around May 10, and the first fall frost is around September 22. This gives a growing season of approximately 135 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Lovage?
Good companion plants for Lovage include Green Beans, Potatoes, Lettuce. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Free Printable Garden Planner
A 24-page printable planner tailored to your zone. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.