When to plant Lovage in Elk County, KS
Elk County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Lovage April 14–April 28 for the single annual harvest; the October 25 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Lovage in Elk County, KS
What to do in July
Your Elk County, Kansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
-
Pick lovage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Elk County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 700 feet, Elk County receives approximately 30.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Elk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Elk County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Lovage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Elk County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.1%) — Lovage will thrive.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Lovage Water Budget
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Elk 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 — Elk County, KS
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Elk County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Elk County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after April 07 in Elk 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 Elk County, KS?
Elk County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elk County, KS?
Elk County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Lovage in Elk County, KS?
In Elk County, KS, plant Lovage after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Elk County, KS for Lovage?
Elk County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Lovage grows reliably in zones 3a through 8b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lovage grow in Elk County's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Elk County's temperate climate. Elk County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 25.
Your Elk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Elk County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.