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When to plant Lovage in Johnson County, AR

Plant Lovage in Johnson County, between April 2 and April 16 — the only viable window. Zone 8a's short season (222 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Lovage in Johnson County, AR

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.

Johnson County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 1,347 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Johnson County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 3

Johnson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lovage Planting Timeline — Johnson County, AR

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 16
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Aug 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

222 days in Johnson County

Growing Tips for Johnson 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 Johnson County, AR?

Johnson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Johnson County, AR?

Johnson County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 3.

When should I plant Lovage in Johnson County, AR?

In Johnson County, AR, plant Lovage after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Johnson County, AR for Lovage?

Johnson County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lovage grow in Johnson County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 222-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 3.

🌱

Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson County (Zone 8a). 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 Johnson County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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