When to Plant Lovage in USDA Zone 4b
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 4b, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the first fall frost is around October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Zone 4b
Where Is USDA Zone 4b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4b. Click any state to see the Lovage planting schedule for that location.
Lovage Planting Calendar — Zone 4b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
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 4b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4b 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
-25°F to -20°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
155 days (Zone 4b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Lovage in Zone 4b
Sow every 8 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Lovage in Zone 4b
Zone 4b has a short growing season (~155 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
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Lovage Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
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 4b?
In Zone 4b, plan your Lovage planting around the average last frost date of May 1. Transplant seedlings around May 8.
Can Lovage grow in Zone 4b?
Yes, Lovage can grow well in Zone 4b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Zone 4b has a growing season of approximately 155 days, which is sufficient for Lovage (70-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lovage in Zone 4b?
In Zone 4b, expect to harvest Lovage from July 17 – September 18. Lovage takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4b is around May 1, and the first fall frost is around October 3. This gives a growing season of approximately 155 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.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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