Blog

When to Plant Lovage in USDA Zone 5b

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 5b, the average last spring frost is around April 18 and the first fall frost is around October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

Zone 5b Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Lovage Planting Timeline — Zone 5b

Where Is USDA Zone 5b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5b. Click any state to see the Lovage planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Lovage Planting Calendar — Zone 5b

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest July 4 Jul 4 – Sep 5

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Free Zone 5b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

Get My Free Calendar →

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

-15°F to -10°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

178 days (Zone 5b average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing8 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 5b

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

🪴
Fabric Grow Bags $10-25

Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.

🏺
Self-Watering Planters $15-40

Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.

🌱
Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

Related Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Zone 5b?

In Zone 5b, plan your Lovage planting around the average last frost date of April 18. Transplant seedlings around April 25.

Can Lovage grow in Zone 5b?

Yes, Lovage can grow well in Zone 5b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Zone 5b has a growing season of approximately 178 days, which is sufficient for Lovage (70-90 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Lovage in Zone 5b?

In Zone 5b, expect to harvest Lovage from July 4 – September 5. Lovage takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 5b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 5b is around April 18, and the first fall frost is around October 13. This gives a growing season of approximately 178 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

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 5b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.