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When to plant Lovage in LaGrange County, IN

LaGrange County's 171-day season only supports one Lovage planting per year. Sow between May 5 and May 19 for the best chance at full maturity before October 16.

When to Plant Lovage in LaGrange County, IN

LaGrange County, Indiana Zone 6a June

What to do in June

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost April 28
Avg. first frost October 16
Soil temp (4") 69°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 15 hrs
July prep starts now
  • First harvests: lovage

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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.

LaGrange County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.

At an elevation of 651 feet, LaGrange County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

LaGrange County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
171 days
Last Spring Frost April 28
171 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

LaGrange County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Lovage Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (27 days to spare)
Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Jul 11 – Sep 12
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Transplant: May 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 31 – Oct 2

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 LaGrange County

How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Lovage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in LaGrange 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

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Lovage

2
successive plantings in your 171-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 18 to harvest before frost.

Lovage Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in LaGrange 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 needs ~1,220 GDD — county provides 2,607 GDD Excellent fit

Lovage Planting Timeline — LaGrange County, IN

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 – May 19
Harvest July 14 Jul 14 – Sep 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

171 days in LaGrange County

Growing Tips for Lovage in LaGrange County

Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 28 in LaGrange 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lovage in LaGrange County, IN?

LaGrange County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is LaGrange County, IN?

LaGrange County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Lovage in LaGrange County, IN?

In LaGrange County, IN, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is LaGrange County, IN for Lovage?

LaGrange 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 LaGrange County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in LaGrange County's temperate climate. LaGrange County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 16.

🌱

Your LaGrange County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for LaGrange 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 LaGrange County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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