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When to Plant Lovage in Suwannee County, FL

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.

Suwannee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 383 feet, Suwannee County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season. 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.

Suwannee County, FL (Zone 8b) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Suwannee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.1-6

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€” 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lovage Planting Timeline β€” Suwannee County, FL

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Harvest May 20 May 20 – Jul 22

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

267 days in Suwannee County

Growing Tips for Suwannee 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 Suwannee County, FL?

Suwannee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Suwannee County, FL?

Suwannee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Suwannee 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 Suwannee County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.