When to plant Lovage in Johnson County County,
In Johnson County County, Lovage is a spring-only crop. Plant April 19–May 3 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Lovage in Johnson County, IN
Johnson County, Indiana gardeners: here's your June plan
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Johnson County, Indiana this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Pick lovage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: lovage
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, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 1,324 feet, Johnson County receives approximately 36.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Johnson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lovage Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Johnson County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Lovage's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Johnson County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Lovage will thrive.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 24 to harvest before frost.
Lovage Water Budget
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Johnson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lovage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lovage Planting Timeline — Johnson County, IN
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 3 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Johnson County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Johnson County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 12 in Johnson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lovage in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Johnson County, IN?
Johnson County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Johnson County, IN?
Johnson County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Lovage in Johnson County, ?
In Johnson County, , plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Johnson County, for Lovage?
Johnson 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 Johnson County's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Johnson County's temperate climate. Johnson County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 22.
Your Johnson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Johnson 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.