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When to plant Lovage in Bureau County, IL

Plant Lovage in Bureau County during the brief April 29–May 13 window. With 175 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 14.

When to Plant Lovage in Bureau County, IL

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.

Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.

At an elevation of 613 feet, Bureau County receives approximately 34.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Bureau County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
175 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
175 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Bureau County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lovage Planting Timeline — Bureau County, IL

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Harvest July 8 Jul 8 – Sep 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May Transplant Outdoors
June
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 5b

📆 Growing Season

175 days in Bureau County

Growing Tips for Bureau 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 Bureau County, IL?

Bureau County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bureau County, IL?

Bureau County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Lovage in Bureau County, IL?

In Bureau County, IL, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bureau County, IL for Lovage?

Bureau County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lovage grow in Bureau County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Bureau County's temperate climate. Bureau County averages a 175-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 14.

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Your Bureau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bureau County (Zone 5b). 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 Bureau County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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