When to plant Lovage in Jefferson County, IA
In Jefferson County, Lovage is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 28–May 12 for an 70–90-day harvest, finishing well before the October 14 first frost.
When to Plant Lovage in Jefferson 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.
Jefferson County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.
At an elevation of 1,279 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lovage to ensure they mature before fall.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lovage Planting Timeline — Jefferson County, IA
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 8 |
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 | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
176 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Jefferson 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 →
Lovage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lovage in Jefferson County, IA?
Jefferson County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, IA?
Jefferson County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Lovage in Jefferson County, IA?
In Jefferson County, IA, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jefferson County, IA for Lovage?
Jefferson County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lovage grow in Jefferson County's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Jefferson County's temperate climate. Jefferson County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 14.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.