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When to Plant Lovage in Edmonton, AB

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.

Edmonton, Alberta is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.

At an elevation of 2,191 feet, Edmonton receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly dark brown chernozem soil. Summer highs average 70°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lovage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Edmonton, AB (Zone 4b) Short season
147 days
Last Spring Frost May 13
147 growing days
First Fall Frost October 7

Edmonton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Dark Brown Chernozem

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Edmonton). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lovage Planting Timeline — Edmonton, AB

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 20 May 20 – Jun 3
Harvest July 29 Jul 29 – Sep 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 4b

📆 Growing Season

147 days in Edmonton

Growing Tips for Edmonton

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 Edmonton, AB?

Edmonton is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Edmonton, AB?

Edmonton, Alberta is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 7.

🌱

Your Edmonton Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Edmonton (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Edmonton, AB. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.