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When to Plant Lovage in USDA Zone 8b

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 8b, the average last spring frost is around February 25 and the first fall frost is around November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.

Zone 8b Year-round
276 days
Last Spring Frost February 25
276 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Lovage Planting Timeline — Zone 8b

Where Is USDA Zone 8b?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8b. 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 8b

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Harvest May 13 May 13 – Jul 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 8b Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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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 20°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

276 days (Zone 8b average)

Planting Specifications

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

Succession Planting Lovage in Zone 8b

4
successive plantings in Zone 8b's ~276-day season

Sow every 8 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Lovage in Zone 8b

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

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Fabric Grow Bags $10-25

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

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Self-Watering Planters $15-40

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

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Zone 8b?

In Zone 8b, plan your Lovage planting around the average last frost date of February 25. Transplant seedlings around March 4.

Can Lovage grow in Zone 8b?

Yes, Lovage can grow well in Zone 8b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 8b. Zone 8b has a growing season of approximately 276 days, which is sufficient for Lovage (70-90 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Lovage in Zone 8b?

In Zone 8b, expect to harvest Lovage from May 13 – July 15. Lovage takes 70-90 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 8b?

The average last spring frost in Zone 8b is around February 25, and the first fall frost is around November 28. This gives a growing season of approximately 276 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 8b, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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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.