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When to Plant Lovage in Baldwin County, AL

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.

Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 336 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95Β°F, so Lovage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Lovage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lovage root diseases.

Baldwin County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Baldwin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lovage

Lovage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lovage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lovage Planting Timeline β€” Baldwin County, AL

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 24
Harvest May 19 May 19 – Jul 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

70–90 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

266 days in Baldwin County

Growing Tips for Baldwin County

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in Baldwin County, AL?

Baldwin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baldwin County, AL?

Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Baldwin County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Baldwin County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.