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When to plant Lovage in Calhoun County, IA

Calhoun County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Lovage May 2–May 16 for the single annual harvest; the October 6 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Lovage in Calhoun County, IA

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.

Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.

Calhoun County, IA (Zone 5a) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Calhoun County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lovage Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, IA

Lovage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Sep 12

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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

70–90 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

164 days in Calhoun County

Growing Tips for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, IA?

Calhoun County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Calhoun County, IA?

Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Lovage in Calhoun County, IA?

In Calhoun County, IA, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Calhoun County, IA for Lovage?

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

Can Lovage grow in Calhoun County's climate?

Yes — Lovage grows well in Calhoun County's temperate climate. Calhoun County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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