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When to plant Lovage in Howard County, IN

In Howard County, Lovage is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 29–May 13 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 17 first frost.

When to Plant Lovage in Howard County, IN

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.

Howard County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.

At an elevation of 1,303 feet, Howard County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Howard County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
178 days
Last Spring Frost April 22
178 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Howard County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lovage Planting Timeline — Howard County, IN

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 6a

📆 Growing Season

178 days in Howard County

Growing Tips for Howard 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 Howard County, IN?

Howard County is in Zone 6a 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 Howard County, IN?

Howard County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 17.

When should I plant Lovage in Howard County, IN?

In Howard County, IN, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 22) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Howard County, IN for Lovage?

Howard County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lovage grow in Howard County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Howard County's temperate climate. Howard County averages a 178-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 22 and first frost around October 17.

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Your Howard County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Howard County (Zone 6a). 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 Howard County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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