When to Plant Lovage in USDA Zone 8a
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 8a, the average last spring frost is around March 8 and the first fall frost is around November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Zone 8a
Where Is USDA Zone 8a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8a. Click any state to see the Lovage planting schedule for that location.
Lovage Planting Calendar — Zone 8a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 8a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8a 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
10°F to 15°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
255 days (Zone 8a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Lovage in Zone 8a
Sow every 8 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Lovage in Zone 8a
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
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 8a?
In Zone 8a, plan your Lovage planting around the average last frost date of March 8. Transplant seedlings around March 15.
Can Lovage grow in Zone 8a?
Yes, Lovage can grow well in Zone 8a, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Zone 8a has a growing season of approximately 255 days, which is sufficient for Lovage (70-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lovage in Zone 8a?
In Zone 8a, expect to harvest Lovage from May 24 – July 26. Lovage takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 8a is around March 8, and the first fall frost is around November 18. This gives a growing season of approximately 255 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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