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When to plant Lovage in Pike County, IN

In Pike County, Lovage is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 16–April 30 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 25 first frost.

When to Plant Lovage in Pike 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.

Pike County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.

At an elevation of 1,360 feet, Pike County receives approximately 37.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.

Pike County, IN (Zone 6b) Moderate season
199 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
199 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Pike County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-7.1

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pike County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lovage Planting Timeline — Pike County, IN

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

199 days in Pike County

Growing Tips for Pike 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 Pike County, IN?

Pike County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pike County, IN?

Pike County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.

When should I plant Lovage in Pike County, IN?

In Pike County, IN, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Pike County, IN for Lovage?

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

Can Lovage grow in Pike County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Pike County's temperate climate. Pike County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.

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Your Pike County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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