When to plant Lovage in Rawlins County, KS
Plant Lovage in Rawlins County during the brief May 8–May 22 window. With 162 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 10.
When to Plant Lovage in Rawlins County, KS
Top priorities for Rawlins County, Kansas gardeners in June
Here's what deserves your attention in Rawlins County, Kansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 795 feet, Rawlins County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lovage during the growing season.
Rawlins County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Rawlins County
How your county's soil matches Lovage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Lovage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rawlins County is excellent for Lovage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Lovage.
How to Plant Lovage
Succession Planting Lovage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 12 to harvest before frost.
Lovage Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Rawlins 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 — Rawlins County, KS
Lovage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 18 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Rawlins County
Growing Tips for Lovage in Rawlins County
Direct sow Lovage outdoors after May 01 in Rawlins 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 Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Lovage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Lovage in Rawlins County, KS?
In Rawlins County, KS, plant Lovage after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rawlins County, KS for Lovage?
Rawlins 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 Rawlins County's climate?
Yes — Lovage grows well in Rawlins County's temperate climate. Rawlins County averages a 162-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 10.
Your Rawlins County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rawlins 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.